Discover the Eredivisie’s top 10 young talents lighting up Dutch football in 2025. These rising stars are gaining global attention—meet the future icons of football.

Eredivisie’s Rising Stars: Top 10 Talents Making Global Noise

The Eredivisie has long been a fertile ground for football talent. From Johan Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp to Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch league has consistently produced players who went on to dominate the global football stage. In 2025, that tradition is stronger than ever.

While the Eredivisie may not boast the financial muscle of the Premier League or La Liga, it excels at nurturing technical, intelligent, and fearless young footballers. These players are not just promising prospects—they’re already making waves both domestically and internationally.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 rising stars in the Eredivisie in 2025 who are turning heads and attracting interest from elite clubs across Europe. These are the names every Mega888 fan should know.

1. Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)

The Belgian winger is arguably the most electric talent in the Eredivisie today. Blessed with blistering pace, tight control, and a fearless approach to taking on defenders, Bakayoko has become a nightmare for full-backs.

• Position: Winger
• Strengths: Dribbling, creativity, vision
• Transfer Rumors: Linked with Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund

He’s been instrumental in PSV’s attacking game and could soon command a hefty transfer fee.

2. Mika Godts (Ajax)

Ajax may be going through a turbulent period, but Godts is a silver lining. The 20-year-old Belgian midfielder combines vision with technical skill and already looks like a midfield general in the making.

• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Strengths: Passing range, intelligence, movement
• Interest: Serie A and Bundesliga clubs are circling

Expect Godts to be a key figure in Ajax’s rebuilding process.

3. Calvin Raatsie (Go Ahead Eagles)

Goalkeepers don’t often make rising star lists, but Raatsie is an exception. The 23-year-old has been phenomenal between the posts, showing composure, reflexes, and distribution that rival more experienced keepers.

• Position: Goalkeeper
• Strengths: Shot-stopping, ball distribution
• Potential Move: Dutch national team backup soon?

His maturity and confidence make him one of the most reliable young goalkeepers in Dutch football.

4. Isaac Babadi (PSV Eindhoven)

Another gem from PSV’s academy, Babadi is a midfielder with flair and intelligence beyond his years. At just 19, he’s already drawing comparisons to Georginio Wijnaldum for his ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch.

• Position: Central Midfielder
• Strengths: Stamina, passing, attacking support
• International Future: Eligible for Netherlands and Congo

He’s a modern box-to-box midfielder who can dictate games and change momentum.

5. Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

Despite Ajax’s dip in form, 18-year-old Jorrel Hato has remained a rock in defense. Capable of playing both as a center-back and full-back, his composure and strength make him one of the best young defenders in Europe.

• Position: Centre-back/Left-back
• Strengths: Tactical awareness, speed, aerial duels
• Scouts Watching: Bayern Munich and Liverpool

If Ajax can hold on to him, Hato could be the foundation of a new golden generation.

6. Yusuf Barasi (FC Twente)

The 22-year-old forward has quietly become one of the Eredivisie’s most effective attackers. With his sharp positioning and ability to finish from tight angles, Barasi is leading Twente’s charge for European qualification.

• Position: Striker
• Strengths: Finishing, movement, link-up play
• Market Value: Rising fast in 2025

Barasi is an underrated gem who deserves more spotlight in the wider football world.

7. Anass Salah-Eddine (FC Utrecht)

A graduate of Ajax’s famed academy, Salah-Eddine is now making his mark as a dynamic left-back for Utrecht. His pace, overlapping runs, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses make him a key part of his team’s offensive push.

• Position: Left-back
• Strengths: Speed, crossing, 1v1 defending
• Potential Suitors: Ligue 1 and La Liga clubs interested

His attacking instincts mirror that of elite modern full-backs like Alphonso Davies.

8. Milos Kerkez (AZ Alkmaar)

The Hungarian left-back is another standout in a league known for producing attacking defenders. Kerkez has been explosive in the final third and mature in defensive phases, proving that he can thrive in any tactical setup.

• Position: Left-back
• Strengths: Energy, overlapping runs, defensive recovery
• Clubs Watching: Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur

AZ’s scouting department has struck gold again with Kerkez.

9. Jayden Addai (AZ Alkmaar)

One of the latest academy graduates from AZ, Addai is a creative forward capable of playing across the front line. At just 18 years old, he has already been involved in several goals this season.

• Position: Forward
• Strengths: Agility, creativity, attacking awareness
• International Prospects: Eligible for Ghana and the Netherlands

If nurtured correctly, Addai could be a breakout star in the next two years.

10. Iñigo Córdoba (Go Ahead Eagles)

The Spanish winger has had a resurgence in the Eredivisie. Though slightly older than the others on this list, Córdoba has developed into a team leader with exceptional technical ability and a knack for delivering in clutch moments.

• Position: Winger
• Strengths: Leadership, delivery, composure
• Future Outlook: Potential captain material for mid-table Eredivisie sides

He proves that talent can flourish with the right environment and minutes.

Why the Eredivisie Remains a Talent Powerhouse

The Eredivisie’s open style of play, tactical education, and strong emphasis on youth development make it the perfect proving ground for young footballers. Clubs are not afraid to give teenagers meaningful minutes, and the league’s competitive balance allows prospects to grow under pressure.

Scouts from top European leagues are always watching. Whether it’s Barcelona, Manchester United, or Milan, they know the Eredivisie is where the next world-class player may emerge.

What’s Next for These Stars?

Many of the players on this list will likely move to bigger leagues within the next 1–2 seasons. However, the Eredivisie continues to replace them with new gems. This talent pipeline is vital not only for Dutch football, but for the global football ecosystem.

In a time when inflated fees and commercial hype often overshadow raw skill, the Eredivisie stays true to its football-first philosophy—developing players who love the game and understand it deeply.

Final Thoughts

From PSV’s explosive talents to Ajax’s tactical prodigies, the Eredivisie is overflowing with rising stars in 2025. These players aren’t just building their careers—they’re reshaping the future of football.

As these young stars prepare for bigger stages, the world will soon know their names. And it all starts right here in the Netherlands.

Whether you're a Dutch league loyalist or an international scout of talent, keep your eyes on the Eredivisie. Support these rising stars, share their stories, and most importantly—never stop loving football. The next generation is here, and it’s more exciting than ever.