Revisiting Five Rising Talents — Who’s Making Noise in 2025/26?
As the 2025/26 season hits its stride, the spotlight begins to shift from marquee names to the emerging talents quietly shaping their clubs’ fortunes. In previous scouting pieces, we highlighted five players poised for breakout campaigns. Now, with the season well underway, we revisit Noah Atubolu, Kees Smit, Yan Diomande, Gilberto Mora, and Konstantinos Karetsas to assess their impact so far. From Bundesliga goalkeeping heroics to teenage brilliance in Liga MX, here’s how they’ve fared, and who might be ready to take the next leap.
Noah Atubolu — Freiburg’s Last Line of Resistance
Atubolu has played every minute of Freiburg’s nine competitive matches this season, six in the Bundesliga, two in the Europa League, and one in the DFB-Pokal, totalling 810 minutes. While Freiburg’s form has been inconsistent, Atubolu has stood firm. He kept a clean sheet in a gritty 0–0 draw away to Borussia Mönchengladbach and was instrumental in the 2–1 Europa League win over Basel, making a crucial late save to preserve the result.
His standout moment came in the 1–1 draw with Hoffenheim, where he saved a penalty and made five stops, earning praise for his reflexes and composure. This extended his record to five consecutive penalty saves in the Bundesliga. Despite conceding nine goals in the league, his performances have been steady, and he remains one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young goalkeepers.
Kees Smit — AZ’s Midfield Metronome
Smit has featured in 12 matches across Eredivisie and UECL qualifiers, racking up 912 minutes, 1 goal, and 3 assists. His versatility has been key, playing as a central, defensive, and attacking midfielder depending on AZ’s tactical needs.
The 3–3 draw against Feyenoord was his defining performance: 90 minutes of high-tempo pressing, incisive passing, and a key assist. He also impressed in the UECL qualifiers, particularly in the 4–1 win over Levski Sofia, where he controlled the midfield and created multiple chances.
Smit has missed two recent matches due to hip problems, but his early-season form suggests he’s integral to AZ’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Yan Diomande — Leipzig’s Raw Spark
Diomande has made seven appearances for RB Leipzig, including three starts, totalling 369 minutes. He scored his first senior goal in the DFB-Pokal win over SV Sandhausen, a composed finish after a solo run from the right wing.
His Bundesliga debut was a baptism of fire, a 6–0 loss to Bayern, but he bounced back with a lively showing against Köln, playing the full 90 minutes and assisting the opening goal with a clever cutback. His pace and dribbling have caused problems for defenders, though his decision-making remains a work in progress.
Diomande’s minutes are increasing, and his ability to stretch defences makes him a valuable weapon off the bench.
Gilberto Mora — Mexico’s Teenage Sensation
At just 16, Mora has already played 574 minutes in Liga MX Apertura, scoring 3 goals and assisting once in 8 appearances. His brace against LA Galaxy in the Leagues Cup was a statement, two goals from attacking midfield, including a curling effort from outside the box.
He’s been used across midfield roles but thrives when given freedom to drift into attacking zones. His goal against Querétaro, a late winner after a solo dribble, showcased his composure and flair. Mora’s low centre of gravity and quick feet make him a nightmare for defenders, and his confidence is growing with each match.
Already drawing comparisons to Diego Lainez, Mora looks destined for a move to Europe if his trajectory continues.
Konstantinos Karetsas — Genk’s Creative Engine
Karetsas has played 574 minutes across eight matches for Genk, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. His goal came in the 2–1 win over Standard Liège, a late strike from the edge of the box that sealed the points.
He’s been a consistent starter in the Jupiler Pro League and featured in both legs of Genk’s Europa League qualifiers. His passing range and ability to operate between the lines have made him a key figure in Genk’s build-up play. A back injury kept him out of one match, but he returned quickly and resumed his role as the team’s creative hub.
Karetsas’ maturity and technical quality at just 17 are turning heads, and he’s already earned senior caps for Greece.
Who’s Ready to Break Out?
From this group, Gilberto Mora and Kees Smit stand out as the most exciting prospects so far. Mora’s attacking output and fearless style at 16 are extraordinary, while Smit’s tactical intelligence and consistency make him a cornerstone for AZ. Atubolu, meanwhile, remains Freiburg’s anchor and a future candidate for Germany’s No.1 shirt, a position Newcastle really need to strengthen come next summer.
Watch this space for Diomande’s development, his raw tools are elite, and Karetsas, who could be Genk’s next big export.
