Back for its ninth edition, the Golazo 50 casts a keen eye over the best young players from Argentina. With the likes of Julián Álvarez, Cuti Romero, Lautaro Martínez and Paulo Dybala among the previous winners, 2025 saw a number of established names no longer eligible and so an interesting set of fresh faces emerged.

To be eligible for the list, the players simply need to be born on or after January 1st 2002 (they would all have been eligible to play at a 2025 Olympic tournament for example).

There is clearly huge room for debate. The player’s ability and potential is taken into account BUT that is also balanced with what the player may have achieved in senior football, whether they have represented Argentina at some level or made the successful transition to another league. The idea of compiling the list every year is to see that progression from perhaps a talented 17-year-old with little first team experience to hopefully an Argentina regular by the age of 23. In other words, there are plenty of players who missed out on the 50 due to perhaps lacking experience but who have a far higher ceiling than some of those players at the top end of the age range.

So if a young player you think warranted a spot isn’t here you can be sure he was on our incredibly long list and was subject of much debate.

From an initial list of well over 100, Peter and Tom whittled it down and this is the Golazo 50 2025…

50. Thomás de Martis
Lanús
26/06/2008
Striker
New Entry

There may still be a big developmental step between under-17 football and the big leagues but there are some talents which still grab your attention. De Martis is one such example after finishing this year’s U17 Sudamericano as top scorer. The Lanús striker has only made one senior appearance at club level but the powerful, young centre forward looks set for plenty more soon enough.

49. Dylan Gorosito
Boca Juniors
03/02/2006
Right Back
New Entry

Yet to properly break through into the Boca first team, Gorosito’s exploits for the Argentina U20s this year meant he couldn’t be overlooked. The full back is an energetic presence, at his best bombing up and down the right flank, combining with teammates, and delivering precise balls into the box. But he’s no failed winger and balances his defensive responsibilities well with his more progressive qualities. Despite stiff competition, he’s surely due for more game time in the Bombonera in 2026 and looks a good long-term option for the national team in a position lacking in depth.

48. Jerónimo Gómez Mattar
Newell’s Old Boys
07/08/2008
Midfielder
New Entry

The youngest player on this year’s list and the second from Argentina’s U17 side, Gómez Mattar is already looking every inch the next big thing out of Newell’s Old Boys’ famous academy. Industrious ball winner combined with quality in possession, there is a little bit of everything to the midfielder’s game. Yet what arguably stands out even more is his maturity, and nothing proves this point more than being handed the captain’s armband off the bench in August having just turned 17. 

47. Santiago López
Rosario Central (on loan from Independiente)
09/02/2006
Winger
2024 Golazo Ranking: 50

The tricky winger climbs a few places after a mixed loan spell at Rosario Central. On one hand, López has gained more first team experience, playing for one of the best performing sides in the league and getting to learn from Angel Di María. But there hasn’t been much sign of progress. A similar amount of minutes, another couple of goals, more disruptive little injuries, and no call up to the Argentina U20s all point to a bit of a plateau in his nascent career. Undoubtedly talented, López returns to Independiente with one year left on his contract and a lot still to prove. We have faith in him but we would have liked to see more.

46. Santiago Lencina
River Plate
04/09/2005
Attacking midfielder
New Entry

It’s not been an easy year for River Plate but amid all the chopping and changing done by manager Marcelo Gallardo in trying to find his best side, a number of academy products gained valuable experience. Lencina perhaps the greatest beneficiary, the 20-year-old made 13 appearances in the Clausura scoring 3 goals and thrust himself into the first team mix. A clever dribbler with a burst of pace and an eye for goal, it will be interesting to see where Lencina lies in River’s plans for 2026. 

45. Dylan Aquino
Lanús
04/06/2005
Attacking Midfielder / Winger
New Entry

The second Dylan on the list, Lanús’ young midfielder enjoyed a fine breakthrough year which culminated in a Copa Sudamericana triumph. Still more of an option off the bench, Aquino nevertheless racked up good minutes and made a big impact in their continental campaign, scoring three times – including a crucial equaliser against Fluminense – and holding his nerve in the penalty shoot out in the final. A good technician, who finds good pockets of space and can unlock defences with clever passes, he will be an important player going forward for El Granate.

44. Jano Gordon
Vélez Sarsfield
16/06/2004
Right Back
New Entry

A title-winning centre-back with Vélez’s reserve side in 2024, Gordon was handed an unexpected opportunity when first-choice right-back Joaquín García suffered a serious injury earlier this year – and the 21-year-old seized it. While it wasn’t the best season for the Fortineros, Gordon stood out with a series of assured performances. Defensively solid, he excels one-v-one against wingers, is reliable in the air, and possesses the pace to cover the right flank effectively at both ends.

43. Román Vega
Zenit St. Petersburg
01/01/2004
Left Back
New Entry

A player who has been on our radar since his 2022 loan to Barcelona B, Vega has steadily developed into a solid, dependable full back. Vega continued last year’s good form for Argentinos Juniors and earned himself a €7million move to Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg. Yet to truly cement himself as a guaranteed starter, rumours are circling of a return to Argentina, with Marcelo Gallardo keen to bring him to River.

42. Leonel Pérez 
Huracán
09/08/2004
Defensive midfielder
New Entry

The departure of Santiago Hezze in 2023 could have been a major blow to Huracán but emerging from El Globo’s academy was a readymade replacement. It took until this year for Leonel Pérez to breakout but the 21-year-old hasn’t looked back and has been an ever-present in the starting XI since. Blessed with inexhaustible energy, Pérez combines intense pressing, ball-winning and robust defensive work with tidy technique – a profile that could well see him follow Hezze’s path to Europe sooner rather than later.

41. Marco Di Cesare
Racing Club
30/01/2002
Centre Back
New Entry

A consistent Primera performer over the past few years, Di Cesare finally makes his first Golazo 50 appearance. The impressive centre back has been a stalwart for one of the best teams in the country, winning the Recopa against Botafogo, going on a run to the semis of the Libertadores, and the final of the Clausura. Attracted interest from Santos and Italian clubs during the summer—is this the moment to test himself outside of Argentina?

40. Tomás Pérez
Porto
26/08/2005
Defensive midfielder
New Entry

After only six months in the Newell’s first team, Pérez was snapped up by Porto at the start of the year and with chances limited it would appear the European move may have been a tad premature. However, like a few others in the list, Argentina’s run to the U20 World Cup final underlined why he was so highly sought after. A physically strong holding midfielder, whose characteristics enabled him to drop into a back three for Argentina demonstrated a player of both technical excellence and tactical intelligence. The next 12 months will be important for Pérez with the need for more playing time clear.

39. Santino Andino
Godoy Cruz
25/10/2005
Winger
New Entry

Despite Godoy Cruz’s 17-year spell in the top flight coming to an end, the emergence of explosive wide man Andino was a rare bright spark. The 20-year-old was always a threat from the left flank with his burst of acceleration, directness, and ability to beat a man. Impressive displays in the Copa Sudamericana and for the Argentina U20s won’t have gone unnoticed either, and Andino will likely be one of the first players targeted by circling clubs following El Tomba’s relegation.

38. Juan Giménez
Rosario Central
27/04/2006
Centre Back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 49

An ACL injury suffered in August brought Giménez’s 2025 to a halt and robbed Argentina of their first-choice centre-back pairing at the U20 World Cup. Had the 19-year-old remained fit, an even higher ranking would have been possible, such is the esteem in which he is held. An impressive debut against River in 2024 at just 17 was a breakthrough moment but with over 25 appearances for Central’s first team since and a key figure for Argentina at youth level, the reported European interest was not without good reason. His return from injury in 2026 will be one to watch closely.

37. Mateo Silvetti
Inter Miami
14/01/2006
Forward
New Entry

A strong end to 2024 meant that Silvetti was always going to be one to watch this year. But a January move abroad failed to materialise and he was left to toil away at a struggling Newell’s side, scoring only two goals in the Apertura – both of which came in the same game against Atletico Tucuman – before a lengthy injury lay off. That didn’t put off Inter Miami and the last few months have reminded us why we were so excited when Silvetti first broke through. Became something of a super sub at the U20 World Cup, coming off the bench to score in three consecutive knock out games, including a crucial semi-final winner against Colombia, and has taken that form to his new club in recent weeks, helping them to a MLS Cup victory.

36. Juan Ignacio Nardoni
Racing Club
14/07/2002
Defensive midfielder
2024 Golazo Ranking: 48

2025 may have ended in disappointment for Racing with La Academia unable to follow up their 2024 Copa Sudamericana with further silverware but it was another good year for Nardoni. A key player in the midfield for Gustavo Costas, the 23-year-old has just the right blend of defensive muscle with drive to aid the attack if needed. An imposing figure, Nardoni is more comfortable deeper where he can utilise those physical attributes but has enough quality to progress play. Approaching a stage in his career where the big moves might be less likely, what’s next could be interesting. 

35. Exequiel Zeballos
Boca Juniors
24/04/2002
Winger
2024 Golazo Ranking: 45

There was a moment when it looked like Changuito – a long-time Golazo 50 favourite – might begrudgingly drop off the list. A regular since 2021, injuries have hampered his playing time and development, but some sensational end-of-year form has seen Zeballos explode back to life, crowned by a virtuoso Superclasico performance. Whether or not his revival can be put down to his new headband look remains to be seen, but the 23-year-old is on course for the most productive year of his career and, like Boca more generally, seems to be finally moving in the right direction. A fitting way to sign off his time on the list.

34. Thiago Fernández
Vélez Sarsfield
03/04/2004
Winger
2024 Golazo Ranking: 27

2025 has been a write off for Thiago Fernández – the ACL suffered at the end of 2024 having played a big part in Vélez lifting the title, and then a contract stand off which has ultimately severed ties with his boyhood club, has meant zero playing time and an inevitable drop in the rankings. A switch to Villarreal on a free transfer however, will hopefully be the fresh start Fernández needs in 2026. The winger’s ability is unquestionable, as it was the 21-year-old’s dribbling ability, drive and eye for a goal which proved so important to Vélez en route to lifting the league trophy. 

33. Tobías Ramírez
Argentinos Juniors
11/11/2006
Centre back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 34

After a breakthrough last year, Ramírez’s game time has been severely (and surprisingly) limited at club level this year. Nevertheless, his performances for the Argentina team that reached the U20 World Cup final ensure that his reputation stays intact. The leader of the Albiceleste’s back line, Ramirez once again showed his proactive, front-foot defending, aerial ability, and composure on the ball. His time with the national team arguably contributed to a lack of continuity domestically and it’s worth remembering that the young centre back has only just turned 19. Still plenty more to come from this exciting defender.

32. Mariano Troilo
Parma
28/06/2003
Centre Back
New Entry

The first of two Belgrano graduates to make the European leap over the past year, Troilo swapped the Alberdi for Italian club Parma after an outstanding season in the Pirates’ first team. A towering presence at the back, his physical attributes make him dominant in the air and strong in duels, while his long stride allows him to recover ground quickly. Prior to his transfer there was talk of a call-up to Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad, and although minutes have been harder to come by in Italy, the 22-year-old still boasts a promising future.

31. Matías Moreno
Levante (on loan from Fiorentina)
24/09/2003
Centre Back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 32

Another centre back prospect who has held steady in the Golazo rankings, Moreno is in that precarious position of trying to establish themselves in Europe after a rapid rise in Argentinian club football. The start of the year saw a Serie A debut but, in search of regular minutes, a loan move to Levante followed in the summer. It could be argued that a La Liga relegation battle is more of a backward step than a sideways one but at least he’s getting valuable experience. Hopefully, it’ll be the exposure he needs for another tilt at the Viola first team. If not, 2026 might represent an early crossroads in his career.

30. Federico Redondo
Elche
18/01/2003
Defensive midfielder
2024 Golazo Ranking: 20

A drop in the rankings reflects Redondo’s struggles since leaving Argentinos Juniors and underlines why the next 12 months will be so important for the 22-year-old. Prior to his move to Inter Miami, he was considered one of Argentina’s standout midfield prospects, combining ball-winning with an effortless ability to glide forward. However, a failure to establish himself in Miami’s side and a subsequent move to Elche have seen his momentum stall. What comes next for the heir to one of Argentine football’s greatest cincos will be crucial.

29. Ian Subiabre
River Plate
01/01/2007
Winger
New Entry

Subiabre is a player we’ve been big fans of since he caught the eye at the 2023 U17 World Cup but his introduction into senior football has been managed cautiously since then. After being voted as the best player of the Reserve Championship last year, the silky dribbler has made the step up, making 18 first team appearances and scoring twice. However, it’s still been for the sky blue and white of the national team U20s where he’s done his best work – pivotal at the Sudamericano qualifying and featuring in every round of the run to the U20 World Cup final. Possessing great balance and acceleration from either flank, there’s plenty more to come from Subiabre. 

28. Christian Ordóñez
Parma
24/07/2004
Defensive midfielder
New Entry

At a club like Vélez which seems to produce so much talent, Ordóñez went somewhat under the radar for a while. His efficiency in breaking up play and keeping possession provided Vélez with a foundation for so many others to flourish and obviously did enough to attract the attention of European scouts. An €8.5 million move to Italy followed midway through the year and the midfielder has racked up valuable minutes. 

27. Alejo Sarco
Bayer Leverkusen
06/01/2006
Striker
New Entry

Like many on this list, the beneficiary of strong displays at the U20 World Cup; Sarco nevertheless was probably the player whose reputation rose highest. Leading the line for Argentina, the strapping centre forward netted four goals – just one off the leading scorers – and reminded everyone why Leverkusen snapped him up at the start of the year. Has since made his Bundesliga debut in a big year of milestones but a general lack of playing time over the last 12 months puts a ceiling on how high he places.

26. Milton Delgado 
Boca Juniors
16/06/2005
Defensive midfielder
New Entry

One of the absolute standout performers from Argentina under-20s, Delgado returned from the World Cup with his reputation enhanced and immediately took a spot in the Boca first team. Until then, the 20-year-old had been on the fringes for the Xeneizes, but his intelligent, disciplined displays at the base of midfield convinced the club to put faith in him as the perfect partner for Leandro Paredes. There are perhaps few better to learn from and while Delgado doesn’t have the passing range of the current Argentina international, he is a more natural ball winner. Seeing the youngster make a big move and ultimately replace the likes of Paredes with the Selección will come as little surprise. 

25. Alejo Véliz
Rosario Central (on loan from Tottenham)
19/03/2003
Striker
2024 Golazo Ranking: 23

Edging ahead in the Battle of the Alejos™ is the Spurs loanee after a year of mixed fortunes. Though Espanyol beat the drop, his time there resulted in just one league goal and didn’t do much to soothe the worries about moving to Europe prematurely. A return back to his boyhood club, Rosario Central, has been just the tonic – getting Veliz back amongst the goals for a team with the best annual record in the Argentina Primera. Whether he’s done enough to be given another chance in North London remains to be seen but either way it’s good to see him playing with a smile on his face again.

24. Gianluca Prestianni 
Benfica
31/01/2006
Winger
2024 Golazo Ranking: 31

Another player whose reputation was reignited by the Under-20 World Cup was Gianluca Prestianni, who had slipped slightly off the radar after struggling for game time at Benfica. An electric dribbler with an eye for goal, the teenager was earmarked early as one to watch, becoming Vélez’s youngest debutant and scorer in the Copa Libertadores. A messy exit to Benfica in 2024 was meant to be the next step but has proven difficult. Interest in the winger remains high, however, and the Portuguese club’s reluctance to sanction any kind of cut-price deal suggests they are well aware of the exciting talent they still possess.

23. Álvaro Montoro
Botafogo
17/04/2007
Winger
New Entry

It’s been a meteoric rise for the ex-Velez teen, making every step up in quality look as easy as the way he beats opposition full backs. Montoro is a joyous sight to watch; a throw-back dribbler who glides effortlessly past players with his low centre of gravity, drop of a shoulder, close control, and rapid change of direction. But the fact he can back that up with end product, especially at this young age, marks him out as a different breed. He got off to a great start to the year with clutch goals in the Libertadores group stage, made the move to Botafogo amidst interest from the likes of Dortmund, Leverkusen and Napoli, and had an instant impact in the Brasileirao and World Club Cup. The only disappointment was a shoulder injury that cut short his participation at the U20 World Cup. In terms of potential ceiling, there aren’t too many on this list higher, so get used to seeing plenty more of him.

22. Lautaro Rivero
River Plate
01/11/2003
Centre Back
New Entry

A call-up to the Argentina squad and an October debut against Puerto Rico marked a rapid rise for Rivero, who just six months earlier had been on loan at Central Córdoba with seemingly no path into River Plate’s first team. A run of strong performances convinced Marcelo Gallardo to recall the young centre-back ahead of the Club World Cup, and after making his league debut, Rivero never looked back. Physically strong yet comfortable in possession, he possesses all the raw materials, and while River endured a difficult second half of the year, Rivero is well placed to kick on in 2026.

21. Kevin Lomónaco
Independiente
08/01/2002
Centre Back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 47

The biggest climber in this year’s list, Lomónaco is rewarded for his consistently excellent displays at centre back for Independiente. Over the last 24 months, it’s hard to think of a better defender in the Primera. Perhaps the only surprise is that he’s still playing in Argentina. Physically strong, dominant in the air and comfortable stepping out from the back, he ticks all the boxes for a modern centre back and there have been rumours of interest from West Ham, Crystal Palace, Sevilla, and Wolfsburg. On the fringes of the national team, you feel he probably needs to make that move abroad if he wants to truly become part of the conversation for next year’s World Cup squad.

20. Julio Soler
Bournemouth
16/02/2005
Left Back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 24

Limited to only a handful of appearances for Bournemouth, it has been a slow year for Soler, but like many others the Under-20 World Cup offered him a platform to shine. The former Lanús left-back wore the captain’s armband for Diego Placente’s side and responded with a series of performances that showcased his full skill set – tenacious and feisty defensively, pacy and aggressive going forward. Soler has everything you would want in a modern full-back and now needs the right move to secure regular playing time.

19. Agustín Giay
Palmeiras
16/01/2004
Right back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 26

Another steady year of progression for the ex-San Lorenzo defender, who featured 48 times for a Palmeiras side that just missed out on both Libertadores and Brasileirao titles. The arrival of Khellven midway through the year has brought competition to the right back spot but Giay remains one of the few young Argentinians performing at the highest level within South America. Now has plenty of experience under his belt and still feels first in line to be the long term successor to Nahuel Molina. Might have to wait for the next World Cup cycle for his chance for the national team but that should very much be his next aim.

18. Carlos Alcaraz
Everton
30/11/2002
Midfielder
2024 Golazo Ranking: 17

At 23, it may now appear that Alcaraz’s ceiling is lower than that of some others on the list, but being a regular in the Premier League is a status few can claim. Still the same buzzing, high-energy presence he was when emerging at Racing, Alcaraz remains a little difficult to pin down positionally, and that versatility may even work against him. Not quite disciplined enough to sit in central midfield, not technical enough to operate as a 10, and lacking the pace to play wide. That said, Charly has enjoyed more success in England than many of his peers and deserves recognition for it.

17. Maher Carrizo
Vélez Sarsfield
19/02/2006
Forward
New Entry

The highest new domestically-based entry in the Golazo 50 this year, Carrizo stepped up when a depleted Vélez side needed him and took on a lot of the attacking burden. We’d seen flashes of his talent before but he really took large strides in his development for club and country. With his trademark peroxide blonde hair, the versatile 19-year-old hit five goals as Velez reached the Libertadores quarter-finals, laid on two assists in the Supercopa Argentina win, and bagged himself the Supercopa Internacional trophy too. Also played a starring role for Argentina at both the U20 Sudamericano and U20 World Cup. Despite question marks about his big game mentality, Carrizo can make a strong claim to being the best young player currently playing in Argentina.

16. Aaron Anselmino
Borussia Dortmund (on loan from Chelsea)
29/04/2005
Centre Back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 28

After fewer than 10 first-team appearances for Boca, Chelsea paid €16.5 million for Anselmino. The young centre-back impressed with his front-foot defending and line-breaking passes, and while there was no immediate room at Stamford Bridge, a loan move to Borussia Dortmund has allowed him to shine once again. His performances in Germany suggest his long-term future lies back in West London – and potentially with Argentina – though concerns remain over the number of injuries the 20-year-old has already suffered in his young career.

15. Valentín Carboni
Genoa (on loan from Inter Milan)
25/03/2005
Attacking Midfielder
2024 Golazo Ranking: 19

Carboni remains in the top 20, less for what he’s achieved in the last 12 months but more based on his level of ability and how highly he is regarded by the national team set up. Returned to action in June after recovering from an ACL injury, he made an instant impact, scoring the winner against Urawa Reds for parent club Inter Milan in the World Club Cup. A loan move to Genoa followed and though he hasn’t been in great form, it’s all valuable experience for a player who has missed a big chunk of time. Didn’t add to his three Argentina caps but was involved in the last World Cup qualifiers – it wouldn’t be wild to see him make the plane to the US next year.

14. Facundo Buonanotte
Chelsea (on loan from Brighton)
23/12/2004
Attacking midfielder
2024 Golazo Ranking: 17

European football continues to test Buonanotte, with spells in England at Brighton, Leicester and now Chelsea all failing to ignite the next step in the 20-year-old’s development. Plucked from Rosario Central at 18 after impressing Brighton’s scouting department with his quick feet and ability to open up a defence, replicating that impact in the Premier League has understandably proven difficult. Even so, he remains on the national team’s radar, and there is still a sense that Buonanotte could yet enjoy a European breakthrough moment.

13. Benjamín Domínguez
Bologna
19/09/2003
Winger
2024 Golazo Ranking: 30

A strong second half of the 24/25 season saw Dominguez feature more regularly for a Bologna side challenging for European places and saw him rewarded with a maiden call up to the national team. Helped end a 51-year trophy drought for the Rossoblu with victory in the Coppa Italia but his upward momentum has cooled off somewhat this season, as he struggles for regular minutes. At his best an explosive, game-changing talent but needs to find more consistency if he’s to break back into the Argentina set-up.

12. Valentín Gómez
Real Betis
26/06/2003
Centre Back
2024 Golazo Ranking: 18

It had begun to look like Gómez would never get his move after a string of failed transfers until finally Real Betis successfully prized the centre back away from Vélez. The 22-year-old has long been due his transfer but the failed medicals and disagreements over fees were ultimately to the benefit of all involved as Gómez helped Vélez to the title in 2024. Good in the air, quick to anticipate on the ground and decent on the ball, few would resent seeing the defender enjoy some success in Spain. 

11. Joaquín Panichelli
Strasbourg
07/10/2002
Striker
New Entry 

The highest new entry in the list, Panichelli has gone from near obscurity to a national team debut in the space of 12 months. You would have been hard pushed to find many people who knew much about the former River Plate academy graduate this time last year, but his surge to prominence has been as remarkable as it was unexpected. A fruitful loan move to LaLiga 2 side Mirandes saw him explode into life and earn a 17mil move to BlueCo-owned Strasbourg. And he’s continued where he left off, scoring nine goals in 14 Ligue 1 games, to become one of the most on-form strikers in European football. Just how high the Córdoba-born late bloomer can rise remains to be seen but he’s given Lionel Scaloni a fantastic option to compete against Lautaro and Julian.

10. Equi Fernández
Bayer Leverkusen
25/07/2002
Defensive midfielder
2024 Golazo Ranking: 12

A move from Saudi football to Bayer Leverkusen was perhaps the transfer many had hoped for when Equi Fernández first left Boca Juniors. However, a red card on his Bundesliga debut and a year cut short by injury have meant it has not yet worked out as planned for the 23-year-old. His quality is not in doubt, though, and it feels only a matter of time before he begins to showcase it consistently in Europe. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Fernández also brings added layers to his game, capable of marauding runs forward and defence-splitting passes – the kind of versatility across multiple midfield roles that can prove invaluable. 

9. Claudio Echeverri
Bayer Leverkusen (on loan from Manchester City)
02/01/2006
Playmaker
2024 Golazo Ranking: 11

We debated long and hard about just where Echeverri should land this year. On one hand, the fact that a player we all have such high expectations for has yet to truly settle or make an impact in Europe was a black mark against his name. But a debut in the Premier League, a FA Cup final cameo, a goal in the World Club Cup, and appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League all represent significant milestones for a teenager taking his first steps abroad. The kicker is that we know El Diablito is capable of more and we’d like to see promise translate into more minutes on the pitch. Stunning displays at the U20 Sudamericano were a big reminder of his incredible talent and it’s a shame he wasn’t released for the U20 World Cup. Rumours swirl about another change of scenery in the new year and 2026 represents a big year for Echeverri. 

8. Máximo Perrone
Como (on loan from Manchester City)
07/01/2003
Defensive midfielder
2024 Golazo Ranking: 8

Cesc Fàbregas’ Como side have been one of the revelations of the past year, providing Máximo Perrone with the stable environment he needed. The holding midfielder struggled to settle after his move from Vélez to Manchester City in 2023, but in Italy he is once again displaying the qualities that first alerted the Citizens to his talent. More an orchestrator than a destroyer, Perrone excels as a passer and tempo-setter, and under the expert tutelage of Fàbregas he is finally able to refine and expand his game.

7. Valentín Barco
Strasbourg
23/07/2004
Left Back / Midfielder
2024 Golazo Entry: 10

2025 has been a year of revindication and reinvention for Barco. It was a surprise to see Brighton so readily accept a loan offer from Strasbourg that included an obligation to buy for just €10mil for such a talented prospect, but the good ship Barco set sail for France and hasn’t looked back since. Part of their great end of season run, Colo has continued that form into the new season, flourishing in a new central midfield role – emblematic of a fearless young side punching above their weight in Ligue 1. Back in the national team picture, Barco is a unique talent who is hard to pigeonhole but his natural ability, versatility, and personality will make him a valuable asset for both Scaloni and Strasbourg going forward.

6. Alejandro Garnacho
Chelsea
01/07/2004
Winger
2024 Golazo Entry: 2

One year it appeared as though Garnacho would be central to the rebuild at Manchester United and a leading candidate to fill the void left by Ángel Di María for Argentina. However, an acrimonious exit from Old Trafford and a failure to sufficiently impress Lionel Scaloni means the tempestuous winger is trying to claw his way back into favour ahead of the World Cup at new club Chelsea. Yet to truly announce himself in London, Garnacho’s four goals in 18 appearances is a somewhat modest tally and both he, the club and supporters alike know he is capable of far more. The talent is undeniable, but significant questions remain unanswered.  

5. Santiago Castro
Bologna
18/09/2004
Striker
2024 Golazo Entry: 15

The bustling, energetic forward finished last season with ten goals and seven assists in all competitions and a Coppa Italia winner’s medal – all told, a very impressive first full campaign in Italian football. He was rewarded with a debut call up to the Argentina national team and attention from Inter Milan. This season has been more of the same and he’s already halfway to last year’s Serie A tally. Establishing yourself at the top end of European football shouldn’t be taken for granted and feels primed for a big money move at some point soon.

4. Matías Soulé
Roma
15/04/2003
Winger
2024 Golazo Entry: 7

Somewhat inexplicably, Lionel Scaloni continues to overlook Soulé, and with his long awaited Argentina debut pending, Italy continue to flirt with the former Vélez winger. A year ago, his move from Juventus to Roma appeared to have stalled his momentum, but this season Soulé has begun to deliver with greater consistency, registering four goals and three assists in 16 appearances. With his ability to beat his man and an eye for goal cutting in from the wing, the 22-year-old looks well worth a closer look at international level given there is still some uncertainty over Scaloni’s side heading toward the World Cup and beyond.

3. Giuliano Simeone
Atletico Madrid
18/12/2002
Winger / Forward
2024 Golazo Entry: 25

He might not be as technically gifted as some of the other players in our top 10, Giuliano Simeone more than makes up for it in effectiveness. The direct and determined wide man has become a key part of the Atletico Madrid side, epitomising the hard work, determination and never-say-die attitude that has become synonymous with his father’s football. More than a tireless runner, Giuliano delivers real quality in the final third and it’s no surprise that the verticality he brings has turned him into a mainstay of the national team setup. No other U23 player has received as many caps as Giuliano this year, cementing his well-deserved place in the top three.

2. Franco Mastantuono
Real Madrid
14/08/2007
Attacking midfielder
2024 Golazo Entry: 14

The highest new entry last time out, and another significant rise for Franco Mastantuono following his blockbuster €45 million move to Real Madrid in June. That fee alone speaks volumes about the teenager’s talent, as the Spanish giants only invest such sums in South America for players they believe can reach the very top. Unsurprisingly, the start to life at the Bernabéu has not been straightforward, but an 18-year-old making the leap from Argentina to arguably the biggest club in the world must be afforded patience. Already in Lionel Scaloni’s plans and seemingly developing an understanding with Lionel Messi, Mastantuono is a legitimate option for La Albiceleste heading into the World Cup. Still finding his feet in Madrid, the sky remains the limit.

1. Nico Paz
Como
8/9/2004
Attacking Midfielder
2024 Golazo Entry: 5

In all honesty, there was only one choice for the top spot this year. In terms of ability, current level, potential ceiling, position within the national team, and just the way they make you bloody feel about the game, Nico Paz is just about top in every category. The graceful playmaker has gone from one of Serie A’s breakout young talents to simply being one of the Serie A’s best players, full stop. At the time of writing, he tops the league for direct goal involvements and is now firmly entrenched as a national team regular. Barring injury, he should be nailed-on to make it to the USA next year, while the prospect of a return to Real Madrid – and a tantalising link-up with the other next great Argentine number 10 prospect – grows by the week. Are you as excited as we are?