Each generation brings a new wave — faster, more powerful, hungrier to win. These athletes are no longer just “rising stars”: they are rewriting records and changing the game. From the mountain stadiums of Nepal to the stands of Italy, youth today means speed and pressure. In this article, we present ten names to keep an eye on right now!
Victor Osimhen
He scored 26 goals in Serie A in the 2022/23 season, helping Napoli clinch their first league title in over 30 years. At 25, he is already an icon in Nigeria and a terror for defenders across Europe. He has 21 goals in 36 matches for his country, and the numbers are still growing. For those who are keen on football betting, such players are the best option: if he is dropped from the squad or, on the contrary, gets into shape, the outcome of the match can change in a matter of hours. And with him, the odds and potential profit!
Tobi Amusan
In July 2022, Tobi shocked the athletics world by setting a new 100m hurdles world record of 12.12 seconds at the World Championships in Oregon. She became Nigeria’s first-ever world champion in athletics, and her rise hasn’t stopped since. Her lightning-fast starts, consistent finishes, and incredible focus make her a frontrunner for gold at the next Olympics – and a living symbol of African triumph on the track.
Soufiane El Bakkali
Soufiane El Bakkali is a real machine in the 3000m steeplechase. In 2022, the Moroccan did not lose a single race, showed an outstanding 7:56.68 in Paris, and still has not known defeat in major tournaments. At 24, he is already a world and Olympic champion—and clearly does not plan to slow down. Well, those who follow athletics and place bets should take a closer look at the MelBet platform. There, you will already find more than 30 thousand sporting events per month, 10 thousand casino games, and global coverage. All this allows you not to miss the next El Bakkali race – and bet on it in time!
Ese Brume
Ese made history by winning medals at the 2019 and 2022 World Long Jump Championships. Her 7.00m jump not only set a new Commonwealth record, but also re-established Nigeria as a leading nation in world athletics. At 25, she continues to refine her technique and push her personal boundaries. Regular podium finishes at Diamond League events make her one of the most consistent and reliable athletes in the sector.
Tatjana Schoenmaker
The South African swimming queen rewrote history in Tokyo, setting an Olympic record in the 200m breaststroke — 2:18.95. She also holds numerous African records and remains a favourite at international competitions. Each new championship strengthens her status as one of the continent’s most decorated swimmers. The endurance and inner discipline with which she competes are a rare and powerful combination.
Gaurika Singh
Originally from Nepal, she entered the Olympics in 2016, when she was only 13. In 2019, she collected four gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at the South Asian Games. Now 19, Gaurika trains abroad and prepares for serious international competitions. Her 100m backstroke time has dropped by two seconds in just three years — a real leap by elite swimming standards. Today, her name is known in almost every Nepalese home.
Dawa Sherpa
This 18-year-old taekwondo prodigy burst onto the scene by winning gold at the 2020 Virtual International Open Taekwondo Poomsae Championship, outperforming over 300 global participants. Known for her precision and control, Dawa has become an inspiration, especially among young women in rural Nepal. Her next target: the Asian Games, and then—possibly—the Olympics.
Prerana Koirala
At just 16, Prerana is already making headlines. She has been a dominant force in Nepal’s junior tennis scene, remaining undefeated at national tournaments since 2018. She recently completed a six-month course at an elite tennis camp in India, where coaches particularly praised her backhand consistency and court movement. Now, Prerana is preparing to enter the international junior scene – and could become the first Nepalese player to earn a WTA ranking.
Santoshi Shrestha
In 2019, she made history as the first Nepali athlete to win gold in the 10,000m at the South Asian Games. Santoshi is also the country’s record holder in the 5,000m. At 26, she continues to train daily in the mountainous conditions of Dhulikhel, consistently running sub-16-minute 5s. Her pace, stamina, and determination make her a serious contender for medals in the upcoming continental competitions.
Sandeep Lamichhane
A spin bowling master from Syangja, Sandeep became the first Nepali to play in the IPL when he signed for Delhi Capitals. Since then, he has played in the Big Bash and CPL and scored 78 wickets in 44 ODIs for Nepal. He was named Nepal’s Player of the Year in 2018. Now 23, he captains the national team and remains the leader of the attacking line-up, maintaining an economy of less than 5 – a solid average at any level.
How Clubs Invest in the Future
Hunting for young talent is just the first step. Clubs around the world invest millions in developing juniors because they have long understood that talent alone is no guarantee of success. In order for a gift to grow into a leader, he needs the right environment. And here is how those who know how to build the future act:
- Youth academies: La Masia in Barcelona or De Toekomst at Ajax have become real star factories, recognizable all over the world.
- Sports science laboratories: Now, top clubs monitor biomechanics, coordination, and injury minimization no worse than in Olympic centers.
- International training camps: Young players are sent abroad, or coaches from other countries are invited to broaden their football horizons.
- Education and psychology: Mental coaches, curators, language courses, and training programs help juniors stay in shape not only on the field.
It works. The evidence is on the tracks of Kenya, on the baseball fields of the Dominican Republic, and in academies from Kathmandu to Casablanca.
Potential Grows Where Passion Lives
Potential is born where passion lives. These athletes are driven forward not just by talent — behind every success are hunger, dedication, and thousands of hours of unnoticed work. They work hard when no one is watching. They fight with full dedication. And when their names are heard from the stands or hit the top of social networks, it is not an accident, but a well-deserved result. The future of sports is already here. It is getting faster, stronger, and brighter every day.
