The Champions League returns this week, offering a chance to catch all the highlights.
To build the excitement, NewsClick Nigeria has highlighted 25 players to watch outside the Premier League this season, featuring both well-known stars and promising young talents.
Here’s a rearranged version of the content:
Lamine Yamal, 17 (Barcelona/Spain)
The most exciting youngster in the world. The winger made a name for himself at Barcelona last season, breaking several records at just 16. However, his global stardom rose at Euro 2024, where he played a pivotal role in helping Spain lift the trophy. This season, he already has three La Liga goals. Can he live up to the hype in the Champions League?
Dani Olmo, 26 (Barcelona/Spain)
One of Spain’s European Championship stars, Olmo is playing senior football for a Spanish club for the first time. Barcelona’s summer signing from Leipzig had a strong start, scoring in his first three appearances. However, a hamstring injury will keep him out for the next four to five weeks, although he could return in time for the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on October 23.
Kylian Mbappe, 25 (Real Madrid/France)
Forward Mbappe is just two goals away from entering the top-10 all-time European Cup goalscorers. Yet, he’s still chasing his first Champions League title. His move from Paris St-Germain to the European powerhouse Real Madrid could finally bring him that long-awaited success.
Jude Bellingham, 21 (Real Madrid/England)
Midfielder Bellingham stunned the football world last season, scoring 23 goals across all competitions as Real Madrid captured both the Champions League and La Liga titles. However, his performances dipped slightly after Christmas, and his Euro 2024 displays for England were mixed. Can he reignite his form in this season’s Champions League?
Julian Alvarez, 24 (Atletico Madrid/Argentina)
Having already scored eight Champions League goals and lifted the trophy, Alvarez now embarks on his first season as a leading figure for Atletico Madrid. After an £81.5m move from Manchester City, he will be expected to deliver for Diego Simeone’s side.
Conor Gallagher, 24 (Atletico Madrid/England)
After much speculation, midfielder Gallagher finally made his move to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea. Known for his energy and tenacity, he has quickly settled in and could become a key player for manager Diego Simeone.
Harry Kane, 31 (Bayern Munich/England)
Striker Kane is once again in search of his first major trophy. Last season, he netted 44 goals for Bayern Munich, but for the first time in over a decade, the club failed to win any silverware. Can that change this season under new manager Vincent Kompany?
Michael Olise, 22 (Bayern Munich/France)
Winger Olise, another summer signing for Bayern Munich, made his senior debut for France during this month’s Nations League matches. After moving from Crystal Palace, he’s looking to make a strong impression in his first Champions League campaign.
Xavi Simons, 21 (Leipzig/Netherlands)
Simons returns to Leipzig on loan from Paris St-Germain for a second consecutive season. The versatile midfielder registered 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 games last season, and he’ll aim to surpass that performance this time around.
Antonio Nusa, 19 (Leipzig/Norway)
Nusa, the newest Norwegian sensation, joined Leipzig from Club Bruges this summer despite strong interest from Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham, and Brentford. With two goals already, he’s halfway to his best season tally and will look to continue his rise.
Joao Neves, 19 (Paris St-Germain/Portugal)
Defensive midfielder Neves joined PSG from Benfica in one of the biggest transfers of the summer, valued at £50m. Despite his young age, he has already made 75 first-team appearances for Benfica, four for PSG, and earned 11 caps for Portugal.