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8 Brazilian Wonderkids to Watch in 2025
Brazil has always been a cradle of footballing talent, producing some of the most iconic players the world has ever seen Brazilian Wonderkids. From Pelé and Zico to Ronaldo and Neymar, Brazil’s flair for nurturing gifted footballers is unmatched.
As we move into 2025, the country continues to churn out exciting prospects. Here, we’ll explore eight Brazilian wonderkids who are poised to make waves in the footballing world.
1. Endrick Felipe (Forward)
Background:
Endrick Felipe, the teenage sensation from Palmeiras, has been a hot topic in footballing circles. Born in 2006, he’s already being touted as the next big thing to emerge from Brazil. His journey from Palmeiras’ youth setup to the first team has been meteoric, and he’s consistently showcased his immense potential.
Playing Style:
A versatile forward, Endrick combines agility, pace, and a sharp eye for goal. His ability to play across the front three positions makes him a nightmare for defenders. Despite his young age, his composure in front of goal is remarkable. Endrick also possesses the ability to take on defenders with ease, often utilizing his dribbling and quick changes in direction to carve out opportunities.
Achievements:
Endrick has already broken several records at Palmeiras, becoming the youngest player to score in Brazil’s Serie A. His performances in domestic competitions have earned him accolades, and he’s been pivotal in Palmeiras’ successes in recent years. Recently, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he continues to draw interest from other European giants, including Premier League clubs.
What to Watch For in 2025:
As he continues to develop, Endrick’s transition to European football will be a crucial step. His ability to adapt to higher levels of competition will determine if he can fulfill his potential as Brazil’s next superstar. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if he can replicate his domestic success on the international stage.
2. Vitor Roque (Striker)
Background:
Vitor Roque, born in 2005, is another promising forward making headlines. Currently playing for Real Betis, Roque is already a key figure for his team. His rise to prominence has been fueled by his outstanding performances at both club and youth international levels.
Playing Style:
Roque’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts set him apart. He’s a powerful striker who excels in aerial duels and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His finishing is clinical, and he’s shown maturity beyond his years. Roque also has the ability to link up effectively with his teammates, making him a well-rounded attacker.
Achievements:
Roque was instrumental in Athletico’s campaigns in domestic and continental tournaments. His performances have drawn comparisons to legendary Brazilian strikers like Adriano. He’s already a regular contributor to his team’s success and has demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
What to Watch For in 2025:
In 2025, keep an eye on Vitor Roque as he continues to make waves in European football. Currently on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona, Roque has impressed with his performances, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in his first full season in La Liga. His potential move to Palmeiras is on the horizon, with the Brazilian club offering €27 million for 80% of his economic rights.
Watch how Roque adapts to the pressure of playing in Europe and whether he can maintain his impressive goal-scoring form in more competitive leagues. His development and ability to handle high-pressure situations will be crucial as he aims to solidify his place among the top forwards in world football.
3. Andrey Santos (Midfielder)
Background:
Andrey Santos, a central midfielder from Vasco da Gama, has already made a name for himself in Brazil’s Serie B. Born in 2004, he’s one of the most highly regarded young midfielders in the country. His consistent performances have marked him as a player with immense potential.
Playing Style:
Andrey is a box-to-box midfielder with excellent ball control, vision, and passing range. He’s equally adept at breaking up opposition attacks and initiating forward plays. His work rate and tactical intelligence are noteworthy. In addition to his defensive contributions, Andrey has shown the ability to score crucial goals, making him a well-rounded player.
Achievements:
Andrey played a pivotal role in helping Vasco da Gama earn promotion to Serie A. He’s also represented Brazil at various youth levels, where his performances have been nothing short of stellar. His leadership qualities on the pitch have also been praised by coaches and teammates.
What to Watch For in 2025:
In 2025, keep an eye on Andrey Santos as he continues to impress on loan at Strasbourg. His standout performances have caught the attention of high-profile clubs, and there’s speculation about a potential move to Chelsea’s first team for the 2025/2026 season.
Santos has been a key player for Strasbourg, even captaining the team in recent matches. His development and ability to handle high-pressure situations will be crucial as he aims to make a significant impact in European football.
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4. Matheus França (Attacking Midfielder)
Background:
Matheus França, born in 2004, is a rising star from Flamengo’s renowned youth academy, which has produced talents like Vinícius Júnior.
França has already begun making significant strides in Flamengo’s senior team, where his performances have been highly promising. Known for his creativity and technical skills, França has caught the eye of several top European clubs.
In 2023, França made a move to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, where he has continued to develop and showcase his abilities.
His performances have been impressive, and he has become a key player for the club. With his continued growth and potential, França is expected to make a significant impact in European football in the coming years.
Playing Style:
An attacking midfielder with a penchant for scoring, França thrives in tight spaces. His dribbling, quick decision-making, and ability to strike from distance make him a constant threat. França’s vision and creativity allow him to unlock defenses with precise passes, making him a valuable playmaker.
Achievements:
Matheus França has had a notable year in 2025. He has continued to impress at Crystal Palace, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists in the Premier League.
His standout performances have earned him the club’s Player of the Month award twice this season. Additionally, França played a crucial role in Crystal Palace’s run to the FA Cup semifinals, where his creativity and technical skills were on full display.
What to Watch For in 2025:
In 2025, keep an eye on Matheus França as he continues to develop at Crystal Palace. After joining the Premier League club in 2023, França has shown significant promise with his creative play and technical skills.
He has been recovering from an injury but is expected to make a strong return to the first team. Watch how he integrates back into the squad and whether he can maintain his impressive form, potentially attracting interest from even bigger clubs.
Read More: 7 Rising Spanish Stars to Watch in 2025
5. Kaiky Fernandes (Defender)
Background:
Kaiky Fernandes, born in 2004, is a commanding central defender who emerged from Santos’ youth system. Known for producing defensive stalwarts like Alex and Marquinhos, Santos seems to have unearthed another gem in Kaiky. He’s already a regular in the first team despite his young age.
Playing Style:
Kaiky is a modern defender with excellent ball-playing abilities. He’s strong in one-on-one situations and reads the game exceptionally well. His calmness under pressure belies his age. Kaiky’s aerial presence and tackling ability make him a solid defender, while his passing helps initiate attacks from the back.
Achievements:
Kaiky Fernandes has made significant strides in his career since joining UD Almería in 2022. In the 2024/2025 season, he has been a key player for the team, contributing to their strong defensive record.
He has helped Almería achieve several clean sheets and has been praised for his defensive awareness and tackling ability. His performances have also earned him a spot in the Brazil U23 national team.
What to Watch For in 2025:
In 2025, keep an eye on Kaiky Fernandes as he continues to develop at UD Almería. After joining the club in 2022, Fernandes has become a key player in their defense, contributing to several clean sheets and showcasing his defensive awareness and tackling ability.
His performances have earned him a spot in the Brazil U23 national team, and there is speculation about a potential move to a bigger club in the near future.
Watch how Fernandes handles the pressure of playing in La Liga and whether he can maintain his impressive defensive record. His continued growth and ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be crucial as he aims to solidify his place among the top defenders in European football.
6. Ângelo Gabriel (Winger)
Background:
Another Santos prodigy, Ângelo Gabriel, was born in 2005 and Brazilian Wonderkids is already making headlines. He’s one of the youngest players to debut in Brazil’s top flight, showcasing his talent from a very early age.
Playing Style:
Ângelo is a dynamic winger with explosive pace and silky dribbling skills. He thrives in one-on-one situations and has a knack for delivering pinpoint crosses. His creativity and flair are reminiscent of Brazilian wingers from the past. In addition to creating opportunities, Ângelo has also shown an eye for scoring spectacular goals.
Achievements:
In 2025, Ângelo Gabriel has continued to make significant strides in his career. Currently playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, he has been a standout performer, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in the current season.
His impressive performances have earned him a spot in the Brazil U20 national team, and he has been recognized for his attacking prowess and versatility on the field
What to Watch For in 2025:
In 2025, keep an eye on Ângelo Gabriel as he continues to shine at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Since joining the club in September 2024, Gabriel has made a significant impact, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in the current season.
His performances have earned him a spot in the Brazil U20 national team, and he has been recognized for his attacking prowess and versatility on the field.
Watch how Gabriel adapts to the competitive environment in Saudi Arabia and whether he can maintain his impressive form. His continued development and ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be crucial as he aims to solidify his place among the top forwards in world football.
7. João Gomes (Midfielder)
Background:
João Gomes, born in 2003, is a midfield powerhouse from Brazilian Wonderkids Flamengo. Known for his tenacity and versatility, Gomes has already established himself as a key player for his club. His rise through Flamengo’s youth system has been rapid.
Playing Style:
João Gomes is known for his tenacity and versatility as a midfielder. He excels at playing both defensively and offensively, making him a valuable asset to his team. His primary role is to protect the back four, but he is also capable of contributing to attacks. Gomes is particularly effective at recovering possession and distributing the ball accurately, often drawing comparisons to Fabinho for his ability to break up play with ruthless efficiency
Achievements:
João Gomes has achieved several milestones in his career. At Flamengo, he won the Brazilian Championship in 2020, the Supercopa do Brasil in 2021, and the Brazilian Cup in 2022. He also played a crucial role in Flamengo’s victory in the Copa Libertadores in the 2021/2022 season.
Since joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2023, Gomes has continued to make an impact. In the 2024/2025 Premier League season, he has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists, helping his team secure important points. His consistent performances have solidified his reputation as a key player in both domestic and international competitions.
What to Watch For in 2025:
In 2025, keep an eye on João Gomes as he continues to make an impact at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Since joining the club in January 2023, Gomes has become a key player in the midfield, known for his tenacity and versatility.
Watch how he adapts to the Premier League’s pace and whether he can maintain his impressive performances, potentially attracting interest from even bigger clubs.
8. Marcos Leonardo (Forward)
Background:
Marcos Leonardo, born in 2003, is another exciting Brazilian Wonderkids talent from Santos. Known for producing world-class forwards, Santos has high hopes for Leonardo. He’s already a proven goal scorer in Brazil’s top flight.
Playing Style:
A clinical finisher, Leonardo is a traditional number nine with excellent positioning and an instinct for goals. He’s also adept at linking up play and creating opportunities for teammates. His composure in front of goal and ability to score in a variety of ways set him apart.
Achievements:
In 2025, Marcos Leonardo has continued to make significant strides in his career. Currently playing for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, he has been a standout performer, scoring 15 goals and providing 5 assists in the current season. His impressive performances have earned him recognition as one of the top strikers in the league.
What to Watch For in 2025:
In 2025, keep an eye on Marcos Leonardo as he continues to shine at Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Since joining the club, he has been a standout performer, scoring 15 goals and providing 5 assists in the current season.
Watch how he adapts to the competitive environment in Saudi Arabia and whether he can maintain his impressive goal-scoring form. His continued development and ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be crucial as he aims to solidify his place among the top strikers in world football.
Brazilian Wonderkids pipeline shows no signs of slowing down, and these eight Brazilian Wonderkids represent the country’s footballing future.
As we look ahead to 2025, the world will be watching how these young stars navigate their careers. Whether it’s dominating on home soil or shining on Europe’s grandest stages, their journeys promise to be thrilling. Keep an eye on these names; they might just become the next icons of Brazilian football.
