The 2026/27 football season is here, and it promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent years. After a summer dominated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Europe’s biggest clubs are ready to begin another season of domestic and Champions League battles.

A new generation of superstars is also taking center stage. From Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to established names such as Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, there is no shortage of players capable of defining the season.

Here are 10 football players to watch in 2026/27.

1. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona

If there is one player who could dominate football headlines throughout 2026/27, it is Lamine Yamal.

The Barcelona winger has already achieved extraordinary things at an age when most players are still developing in youth football. His combination of dribbling, creativity, acceleration and confidence makes him one of the most entertaining players in world football.

Yamal had an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 24 goals across competitions, while his creative numbers were equally impressive. Opta noted that he completed more dribbles than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues during the season.

Barcelona will expect him to take another step forward in 2026/27, particularly in the Champions League.

Why watch him: Creativity, dribbling, goals and the potential to become football’s next global superstar.

2. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé remains one of the biggest names in world football, and the 2026/27 season could be crucial for his Real Madrid career.

With Real Madrid beginning a new era under José Mourinho, Mbappé will be expected to become the focal point of the team’s attack. He will also have the challenge of finding the perfect balance alongside stars such as Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior.

Real Madrid’s new-look squad gives Mbappé another opportunity to chase La Liga and Champions League glory.

Why watch him: Pace, finishing, big-game experience and the pressure to deliver trophies.

3. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham has already established himself as one of the world’s elite midfielders, but 2026/27 could be another major chapter in his development.

The English international combines physical strength, technical ability, late runs into the box and leadership qualities. Under Mourinho, his role could become particularly interesting as Real Madrid attempt to build a more disciplined and competitive side.

With Mbappé and Vinícius alongside him, Bellingham could become the creative and tactical bridge between midfield and attack.

Why watch him: Leadership, goals from midfield and his evolving role under Mourinho.

4. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

Florian Wirtz enters the 2026/27 season with something to prove.

The German attacking midfielder joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 and showed flashes of his quality during his first Premier League campaign. Liverpool’s official profile highlights his ability to both score and create goals.

The arrival of new manager Andoni Iraola could give Wirtz a fresh tactical environment. He is expected to operate in his preferred No. 10 role, with Alexander Isak potentially providing the finishing option ahead of him.

If Wirtz becomes fully comfortable with English football, Liverpool could benefit enormously.

Why watch him: Vision, passing, creativity and the potential for a major second-season breakthrough.

5. Désiré Doué – Paris Saint-Germain

Désiré Doué is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young attacking players in Europe.

The Frenchman possesses excellent technique, versatility and the ability to play in several attacking positions. PSG’s official profile describes him as a versatile player comfortable on both feet.

His importance to PSG was underlined recently when he scored the decisive goal in the club’s 2–1 UEFA Super Cup victory over Aston Villa.

With PSG continuing to build around a younger generation, Doué could become one of the club’s defining players.

Why watch him: Flair, versatility, technical quality and his ability to perform on major European nights.

6. Estêvão – Chelsea

Brazilian wonderkid Estêvão could be one of the breakout stars of the Premier League in 2026/27.

The 19-year-old winger joined Chelsea after developing at Palmeiras and is regarded as one of Brazil’s most exciting young attacking talents. Chelsea’s 2026/27 squad includes him among its forwards.

His first season in England provided valuable experience, but the new campaign could offer a much bigger opportunity to establish himself.

Chelsea are entering another period of transition under Xabi Alonso, making Estêvão’s development particularly interesting.

Why watch him: Brazilian flair, one-on-one ability and enormous potential.

7. Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Cole Palmer has already become one of the Premier League’s most recognizable attacking stars, and 2026/27 could be an important season in his development as a leader.

Palmer’s creativity, left-footed finishing and ability to operate between midfield and attack make him one of Chelsea’s most dangerous players.

With Xabi Alonso now in charge, the tactical setup around Palmer will be one of the major storylines to follow. Chelsea’s current squad lists Palmer as a key midfielder wearing the No. 10 shirt.

Why watch him: Creativity, set pieces, goals and his growing leadership role.

8. Pedri – Barcelona

While much of the attention at Barcelona will be focused on Yamal, Pedri remains one of the most important players in the team’s midfield.

The Spanish midfielder’s ability to control tempo, escape pressure and find passing lanes makes him fundamental to Barcelona’s possession-based football.

With Barcelona chasing another La Liga title and seeking Champions League success, Pedri’s fitness and consistency could prove decisive.

Why watch him: Intelligence, passing, ball control and his ability to dictate games.

9. Alexander Isak – Liverpool

Alexander Isak is another player with enormous expectations heading into 2026/27.

The Swedish striker’s move to Liverpool has created one of the most interesting attacking partnerships of the new season, particularly with Wirtz operating behind him.

Liverpool are hoping the combination can transform their attacking threat under Andoni Iraola. Isak is expected to lead the line, while Wirtz could operate behind him.

If Isak stays fit, he could challenge for the Premier League Golden Boot.

Why watch him: Finishing, movement, technique and his partnership with Wirtz.

10. Brian Madjo – Aston Villa

One of the most intriguing names to watch is Brian Madjo, the teenage attacker who has suddenly attracted worldwide attention.

Madjo made headlines in August 2026 when the 17-year-old scored for Aston Villa against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, becoming the youngest scorer in the competition’s history.

While it is too early to predict exactly how quickly he will become a regular starter, his breakthrough is certainly worth following.

For young players, one spectacular moment can open the door to a much bigger career.

Why watch him: Youth, fearlessness and the possibility of a major breakthrough season.

Final Thoughts

The 2026/27 season could be defined by the battle between established superstars and the next generation of football icons.

Lamine Yamal appears ready to take another giant step toward becoming one of the faces of world football, while Mbappé, Bellingham, Palmer and Pedri will be expected to lead their clubs at the highest level.

At the same time, players such as Désiré Doué, Estêvão, Florian Wirtz and Brian Madjo represent the exciting future of the sport.

The biggest question is simple:

Who will turn potential into superstardom in 2026/27?

One thing is certain — football fans have plenty of reasons to watch closely.