Since the first edition in 1960, the Copa Libertadores has become South America's premier talent pool. It’s rare for a player to break out in Europe without first having played in the continent's most prestigious club tournament… and this edition is no different. Therefore, we present to you the five most promising (under 21 years old) players who will begin their journey today in search of glory.

Estevao Willian ‘Messinho’ (Palmeiras, 2007)

There is no one in the streets of Brazil you could ask who would deny that Estevao Willian, better known as ‘Messinho’, is the greatest talent to emerge in the country since Neymar… even above Vinicius, Rodrygo, or his former teammate Endrick. A full international with Brazil, he is a tremendously skillful and imaginative winger with the heart of a ’10’. At 17 years old, he will play his second Copa Libertadores edition with Palmeiras… before heading to Chelsea after the Club World Cup, a club that paid 34 million euros for him back in July.

Franco Mastantuono (River Plate, 2007)

The latest gem from River Plate’s prolific academy after Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Claudio Echeverri. We’re talking about Franco Mastantuono, the classic Argentine ’10’ with the necessary physique to play in Europe, who at just 17 years old has sparked a war over his services… with Real Madrid leading the charge. With 48 matches under his belt, he is already considered a veteran. An undisputed player for Gallardo, he already knows what it’s like to play with River in the Copa Libertadores.

Kendry Páez (Independiente Del Valle, 2007)

The crown jewel of Ecuador, the country that has seen the most growth in South America over recent years, and with whom he has already played 17 matches at just 17 years old… including a Copa América. Another attacking midfielder with a silky left foot. Like ‘Messinho’, he was already signed by Chelsea before continuing his development at Independiente Del Valle. In fact, after finishing the South American U-20 Championship, he traveled to England to begin his adaptation period… though it seems he will be loaned to Strasbourg. Therefore, we’ll see if he can continue to delight the continent in what would be his third Copa Libertadores.

Luciano Rodríguez (Bahía, 2003)

With a background in Progreso and Liverpool FC, the City Group kept a close eye on him to sign him last summer before it was too late. He nearly joined Girona, but ultimately landed at Bahía. A powerful forward who attacks space and has a great shot, he is capable of playing any position in the attack and, due to the lack of alternatives in Uruguay, is beginning to make his mark under Marcelo Bielsa. Let’s see if, before what seems to be an inevitable move to Europe, he can leave his mark on a Copa Libertadores in which he has already played in three editions.

Wesley (Flamengo, 2003)

In times when Brazil has stopped producing top-tier right-backs, Wesley has been showing for several seasons that he’s ready to take the next step from Flamengo, where he’s already played 115 matches at just 21 years old. A tough defender… and extremely skillful with the ball at his feet. Dorival Junior had his name on his radar for a long time and, before being fired as head coach, he debuted him with Brazil in this FIFA Date. If he continues playing in the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo beyond the Club World Cup… it will be a miracle.

In addition to the five talents previously mentioned, there are many names to watch closely in the 2025 Copa Libertadores. These include Lorran (Flamengo), Gabriel Carvalho (Internacional), Jair Cunha (Botafogo), Diego León (Cerro Porteño), and Luighi (Palmeiras). Once again, the Copa Libertadores is filled with young talents.