That’s the power and grandeur of this stage. Who is going to be this year’s Mbappe or Pele? I have decided to compile a list of six players who look ideally placed to enjoy a World Cup breakout. Now I’m not including any huge names or Ballon d’or contenders (no Mbappes or Kanes to be found here). I’m opting for six names that may not resonate with too many people outside the footballing sphere. But rest assured, these guys have the talent to become household names in the coming weeks.

Désiré Doué (21)- France

While already a two-time Champions League winner, Désiré Doué doesn’t command the same attention as PSG teammates Dembéllé or Kvaratskhelia. The 20-year-old attacker has perhaps suffered from his versatility and some key injury setbacks (he has spent time on the sidelines for both thigh and calf issues this season). But he has always delivered when called upon, using his explosive pace and uncanny ability to navigate tight areas to help make PSG the most dangerous side in world football. France have an embarrassment of attacking riches, with Mbappe, Olise and Dembéllé looking to etch their names in history. But I think Deschamps may look to Doué to add grit to the flair (the 20-year-old ran 15.4 kilometres in the Champions League final).

Lennart Karl (18)- Germany

Once of the most exciting teenage prospects in European football, Germany’s Lennart Karl stands on the precipice of greatness. Bayern Munich’s latest prodigy has been one of this season’s unearthed gems, using vision and supreme technical ability to connect midfield and attack. His low centre of gravity- combined with his left-footedness- have earned comparisons with a certain Argentinian no.10 (I don’t even need to say his name). While I have my reservations about the blend of Germany’s squad, there is no doubting the creativity of Musiala, Wirtz and Karl.

Nico Paz (21)- Argentina

From one elegant left-footed attacking midfielder to another, Argentine Nico Paz is a testament to the power of a solid buy-back option. Sold to Como by Real Madrid for the paltry sum of six million Euros, the Real hierarchy had the good sense to include a sell-on clause and a buy-back option (which is reportedly between eight and nine million Euros). In any event, he looks almost nailed-on to Mourinho’s first signing at Madrid. Paz was a revelation at Como, winning Serie A Midfielder of the Season after scoring 12 goals and laying on six assists. The artistic heartbeat of Fabregas’ side, Paz could help Messi share the creative burden in the coming weeks.

Yan Diomande (19)- Ivory Coast

Currently the subject of endless transfer speculation, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande looks primed for a star-making World Cup turn. Diomande has enjoyed a meteoric rise after being signed by Leipzig from CD Leganes in early 2025. He quickly became a fixture in Ole Werner’s planning, using his tricky dribbling and explosive burst of pace to collect 21 goals and assists in this season’s Bundesliga campaign. His ability to play off both wings will give Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé plenty of tactical flexibility. I think that Diomande has the capacity to bring Drogba-like aura to this Ivorian lineup.

Nico O’Reily (21)- England

Premier League Young Player of the Season Nico O’Reily is the only ‘defensive’ choice on this list. The Man City fullback was a mainstay in Guardiola’s planning these past few seasons, using his incredible technical ability to invert and overload the midfield. This ability really came to the fore in that League Cup triumph against Arsenal, where O’Reily managed to get himself into those Lampard-esque positions to score a vital brace. And I think Tuchel is going to lean on his unique capabilities as he looks to control possession and play on the front foot. Also, England look a bit light in the left-back area without the experienced Luke Shaw. So, O’Reily should play every game if fit.

Igor Thiago (24)- Brazil

I think Endrick and Estêvaõ would have probably been more popular Brazilian picks. I just have a feeling that Brentford’s Brazilian marksman could be set for a career-defining tournament. Thiago made massive waves for Brentford in the Prem, filling the void left by Wissa and Mbeumo with an incredible 22 league goals. Astonishingly, that made him the first Brazilian to ever score 20+ goals in a Premier League campaign. In many ways an old-fashioned no.9, Thiaw uses his immense physical frame and deft touch to hold the ball up and bring others into the game. With the likes of Vini Jr and Raphinha playing on the flanks, Thiago should be picking up plenty of gilt-edged chances (provided he makes enough starts).