Who Are The Best Wonderkids Currently In South America?

With such a rich history it’s no surprise that South America is synonymous with producing some of the best talent in world football.

From legends such as Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Pele, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to current stars such as Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Federico Valverde and Lautaro Martinez.

However, a new generation of young players have shifted the focus to South America once again.

That being said, we take a look at some of the best young players currently playing in South America.

Diego Leon

At just 17-years old, Diego Leon has managed to catch the attention of the biggest clubs in world football. Having come through the Cerro Porteno academy, Leon was given his senior debut in 2024 for the season opener against Sportivo Ameliano.

Leon would continue to impress at just the age of 17, scoring his first goal for the Paraguayan side in just his third professional match.

🔴🇵🇾 First day at Old Trafford for Diego León, plan confirmed and deal signed.@Wilson11G 📸 https://t.co/VzjzS5Purn pic.twitter.com/RYSHpgmI1h
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2025

Known for his strength, pace and ability to impact the final third, Diego Leon has been described as “one of the great promises of Paraguayan football”.

Leon would continue to impress in his debut campaign, being named Player of the Month in Paraguay Primera Division for July The 2007 born full-back has registered 21 appearances and two goals for Cerro Porteno and currently represents Paraguay at U20 level.

Leon will swap the Cerro Porteno for Manchester United in a deal worth £3.2 million in July 2025, having agreed to sign for the Red Devils - beating out Arsenal for his signature.

Franco Mastantuono

With 47 appearances and five goals for a club the size of River Plate, it’s hard to believe that Franco Mastantuono is 17-years old. The 2007 born midfielder burst onto the season in 2024, making his debut for Los Millonarios against Argentinos Juniors - becoming the third youngest player in the clubs history.

Known for his vision, range of passing, versatility and ability to create chances from nothing, Mastantuono has become a key contributor for a River Plate side with aspirations of winning silverware. Mastantuono can be used as a central midfielder or a forward, thanks to his ball-striking and ability to beat his opponents in one-on-one situations.

⁴ᵏ Franco Mastantuono. pic.twitter.com/m0i56MsFfv
— Lucas Concepts (@lucasconceptss) March 20, 2025

A current Argentina U20 international, Mastantuono is eligible to represent Italy through his Italian descent.

Jeremia Recoba

One of the ‘older’ players on the list is 21-year old Jeremia Recoba. The Italian born midfielder currently plays for Nacional in the Uruguayan Primera Division, having registered 55 appearances since making his professional debut in 2023.

The son of former Inter Milan midfielder Alvaro Recoba, Jeremia has seen his play style compared to his father due to his technical ability, vision and playmaking.

Despite making his debut in 2023, it was the 2024 campaign which allowed Recoba to showcase his talent as he appeared in 45 matches for Nacional, scoring nine goals in all competitions.

Jeremia Recoba in the Uruguayan Primera División:

☑️34 games
⏱️1456 minutes
⚽️9 goals
🅰️6 assists
📊directly involved in a goal every 97 minutes

21 years of age. The son of legendary El Chino is also a very interesting footballer! 🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/nmNfKm4dDk
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) February 24, 2025

The 2025 season has seen Recoba get off to a flying start, scoring three times in just eight appearances so far.

Eligible to play for Italy and Uruguay, Recoba has stated that he wishes to represent Uruguay if given the opportunity

Kendry Paez

Kendry Paez has achieved so much in just a short amount of time at the professional level. Born 4th May 2007, the 17-year old Ecuadorian midfielder has registered 70 appearances for Independiente del Valle, become a regular for his national team and signed for Premier League side Chelsea.

Paez’s performances at youth level were enough for him to attract attention from clubs in Europe with the likes of Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund submitting bids for the midfielder after he was named Most Outstanding Player at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy.

Independiente del Valle would reject offers for the young star, instead inviting him to participate in preseason with the senior team at the age of 15.

Kendry Paez on IG 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/b857XK1RnQ
— Chelsea Photos (@ChelseaInPhotos) March 21, 2025

25th February 2023 would see Paez make his debut for Independiente, scoring in a 3-1 over Mushuc Runa - becoming the youngest debutant and youngest goal-scorer in the Ecuadorian first division.

He would make his debut for the Ecuador national team in September of that same year, starting in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay - assisting the winning goal for Felix Torres.

Paez became the youngest player ever to represent Ecuador and the second youngest South American to play an international match for his country, after Diego Maradona.

Paez continued to break records on the international stage as his goal against Boliver made him the youngest goal-scorer in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at 16 years and 161 days.

Estevao Willian

Estevao is arguably one of the highest potential players to come out of South America in recent times. Born 24th April 2007, the 17-year old winger has been dubbed ‘Messinho’ due to his similarities with Lionel Messi.

At the age of 10, Estevao was given a professional contract with Nike.

Estevao would make his debut for Palmerias at 16 years and 8 months, becoming the fourth youngest player in the club's history. After a single appearance in 2023, Estevao would make a name for himself on the professional stage, making 45 appearances and scoring 15 goals for Verdao - winning the Campeonato Paulista.

Chelsea-bound teenage talent Estêvão is now the 2nd most valuable player in the history of the Brazilian Serie A & the second most valuable 17 year old in the world right now behind Lamine Yamal 🇧🇷🔥 pic.twitter.com/yyEmFRoWVi
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) March 28, 2025

He would also be named the winner of the Bola de Ouro (best player in the Campeonato Brasileiro), Best Newcomer and receive a place in the Team of the Year.

With such success at the domestic level, Estevao received a call-up to the Brazil national team in August 2024, making his debut against Ecuador on September 6th.

Estevao will be joining Kendry Paez at Chelsea in the summer of 2025, in a move that is worth £29 million which could rise to £55 million in add-ons.