Discover the top 5 Eredivisie wonderkids to watch in 2025. These rising stars are making waves in Dutch football and may soon shine on the global stage.
Top 5 Eredivisie Wonderkids to Watch in 2025
The Eredivisie has long been a fertile ground for nurturing young football talent. From Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong, Dutch football has a proud history of developing players with exceptional technical skill and EW8 intelligence. As we step into 2025, a new generation of wonderkids is emerging in the Netherlands, ready to follow in the footsteps of their illustrious predecessors.
The Eredivisie’s emphasis on youth development and tactical freedom allows young players to mature quickly, both mentally and physically. Whether they are products of world-renowned academies or surprise breakout stars, these young talents are capturing the attention of scouts from Europe’s elite clubs.
Here are the top 5 Eredivisie wonderkids to watch in 2025, each showing the promise to become the next big name in world football.
1. Jaden Slory (Feyenoord – Winger, 19)
A product of Feyenoord’s well-established youth system, Jaden Slory has been one of the most electrifying wingers in Dutch football. Known for his rapid acceleration, sharp dribbling, and fearless approach to taking on defenders, Slory has become a key figure in Feyenoord’s attacking play.
Why He Stands Out:
- Dribbling & Pace: He’s a nightmare for full-backs, capable of beating defenders one-on-one with ease.
- Vision: He can deliver dangerous crosses and also cut inside to take shots.
- Versatility: While primarily a right winger, Slory has played on the left and even behind the striker.
With clubs from the Premier League and Bundesliga circling, 2025 could be the year Slory makes a major move abroad.
2. Gabriel Misehouy (Ajax – Attacking Midfielder, 20)
Even amid Ajax’s recent struggles, Gabriel Misehouy has been a rare bright spot. A creative force in midfield, the 20-year-old has a playing style reminiscent of a young Mesut Özil—graceful, technical, and always two steps ahead.
Why He Stands Out:
- Playmaking Ability: Misehouy’s vision and passing range allow him to unlock compact defenses.
- Ball Control: He glides past opponents and maintains possession under pressure.
- Tactical IQ: Despite his youth, he understands spacing and tempo at a mature level.
Ajax’s rebuilding phase gives Misehouy the opportunity to cement his place and potentially lead a new generation in Amsterdam.
3. Isaac Babadi (PSV – Midfielder, 19)
Babadi broke into PSV’s first team with an impressive mix of dynamism and technical excellence. His energy, ability to carry the ball forward, and intelligence in tight spaces make him one of the most well-rounded young midfielders in the league.
Why He Stands Out:
- Box-to-Box Engine: Babadi covers ground quickly and supports both defense and attack.
- Ball Progression: He excels at transitioning play from deep midfield into attacking positions.
- Composure: Despite his age, Babadi remains calm under pressure, rarely making mistakes.
Clubs from Italy and Spain have shown interest, and if his upward trajectory continues, Babadi may soon be among Europe’s elite.
4. Ernest Poku (AZ Alkmaar – Forward, 21)
AZ Alkmaar has become known for developing elite-level talent in recent years, and Ernest Poku is no exception. The young forward has consistently demonstrated his ability to find the net and link up play in the final third.
Why He Stands Out:
- Goal Threat: Poku has a keen eye for goal, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing.
- Work Rate: He presses relentlessly, a trait that aligns with modern football’s demands.
- Physicality: Strong and agile, Poku can hold off defenders and battle in aerial duels.
AZ’s development environment has given Poku the platform to shine, and his next move could be to one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
5. Tijjani Noslin (FC Utrecht – Forward, 22)
Although slightly older than a typical “wonderkid,” Tijjani Noslin’s rapid rise has been one of the Eredivisie’s most compelling stories. Coming from a lesser-known background, he has exploded onto the scene with FC Utrecht, combining flair with end product.
Why He Stands Out:
- Unpredictability: Noslin brings flair and creativity that catch defenders off guard.
- Finishing: He’s becoming known for scoring spectacular goals in key moments.
- Mental Strength: His late emergence shows a level of resilience rare in young players.
Noslin’s success is proof that talent can bloom at different stages and he is now firmly on the radar of several top European clubs.
What Makes the Eredivisie a Breeding Ground for Wonderkids?
The Netherlands’ footballing infrastructure is built on a philosophy of technical education and tactical freedom. Eredivisie clubs trust in their youth, giving them minutes at the senior level earlier than most leagues in Europe. Here are some key reasons:
- Elite Academies: Clubs like Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV boast some of the best academies in the world.
- Focus on Technique: From an early age, players are taught to value control, passing, and vision.
- Game Time: Unlike in larger leagues, young players in the Eredivisie are more likely to get first-team minutes.
- Tactical Education: Dutch clubs emphasize game intelligence, spatial awareness, and team cohesion.
This environment not only develops footballers but also thinkers—players who understand the nuances of the game, making them ideal fits for modern tactical systems abroad.
The Future of Dutch Football
With the next generation already turning heads, the future of Dutch football looks bright. While many of these players may soon leave the Eredivisie, their roots in Dutch football philosophy will continue to shape their careers. Clubs across Europe are taking notice, and the Eredivisie remains a vital stepping stone for football’s stars of tomorrow.
Back the Future of Football
The rise of these Eredivisie wonderkids isn’t just a story of individual talent—it’s a testament to what thoughtful youth development and football culture can achieve. Whether you support Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord, or a smaller Dutch side, now is the time to follow, cheer, and celebrate these rising stars.
Support football by embracing the journeys of these wonderkids. Share their stories, watch their matches, and stay invested in the next chapter of the beautiful game. Because the future of football is being written right now in the Netherlands.