Kylian Mbappe is widely regarded as the natural heir to the greatest-player-on-the-planet throne.
That has been owned by Lionel Messi and/or Cristiano Ronaldo for as long as most of us can recall. But as they head into what is suspected to be their last World Cup finals – making way for Mbappe’s succession in the process – there is a posse waiting to rival the France and Paris Saint-Germain striker.
Some are obvious contenders, such as England trio Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. Others a little less so. Here, we run the rule over a non-Three Lion Fab Five poised to take this tournament – and many more beyond – by storm.
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Julian Alvarez (Argentina and Man City)
(Image: GETTY)
The South American, 22, is a prolific goalscorer – with 26 in 49 appearances this calendar year – for his clubs and country.
His arrival at Manchester City from River Plate last summer was somewhat lost amid Erling Haaland’s signing at the same time.
But, rest assured, Alvarez is sure to return to the Premier League post-World Cup a global sensation.
Jamal Musiala (Germany and Bayern Munich)
(Image: Getty Images)
The dazzling teenager, 19, ran England ragged at times in Germany’s recent Nations League showdowns.
The playmaker has the ability to open up defences with amazing speed of thought and lightning feet.
May find his role will be more cameo at these finals but still certain to have a big impact for the Germans.
Vinicius Junior (Brazil and Real Madrid)
(Image: Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Goals and assists for Real en route to Champions League glory last season announced his emergence as a deadly world-class performer rather than one merely with mass potential.
The Samba forward, 21, has been in superb form for club this season, too, blitzing ten goals in 25 outings ahead of Qatar.
But he has scored only once for his country in 16 games but is still likely to start ahead of Arsenal pair Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, which underlines his talents.
Aurelien Tchouameni (France and Real Madrid)
(Image: Getty Images)
The Gallic midfielder, 22, has grown into a pivotal figure within the Real engine room since his £68.3 million move from Monaco last summer.
And that development into an elite star could not have been better timed for the French ahead of Qatar.
The holders have been robbed of injured N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba. Expect Tchouameni, with 14 caps, to fill the void. Pas de probleme!
Gavi (Spain and Barcelona)
(Image: GETTY)
Imagine Xavi and Andres Iniesta rolled into one and you begin to appreciate how magical this Catalan teenage midfielder is when dictating proceedings at the Nou Camp.
More about possession, creativity and assists than banging in goals, Gabi, 18, did score for the second time in 13 internationals last week in Spain’s 3-1 friendly victory over Jordan.
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