Explore Eredivisie’s top young talents in 2025 who are set to light up European football. Learn who’s next in Dutch football’s golden production line.

Eredivisie’s Brightest Young Talents in 2025

The Eredivisie has long been known as a launchpad for some of the most exciting talents in Aw8. From Johan Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp to Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo, Dutch football consistently produces technically gifted and tactically intelligent players. In 2025, that tradition continues, with a new wave of prodigies capturing the attention of scouts across Europe.

This article highlights the top young talents currently lighting up the Eredivisie, analyzing their skill sets, club roles, and potential career trajectories. These are the names every football fan should know now—before they become stars on the global stage.

🇳🇱 Why the Eredivisie Remains a Hotbed for Football Talent

Despite not being among Europe’s “big five” leagues, the Eredivisie is arguably the most effective development league on the continent. Here’s why:

• Youth-centric development systems across top clubs like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord.

• A technical style of play that prioritizes ball control, movement, and intelligence over physicality.

• Regular first-team minutes for U21 players, something rarer in more competitive leagues.

• A proven pipeline to elite clubs, making it a stepping stone to the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A.

With that context, let’s look at the Eredivisie’s brightest young stars in 2025.

🌟 1. Jorrel Hato (Ajax) – 18, Centre-Back

Jorrel Hato is Ajax’s latest defensive prodigy. A left-footed centre-back with composure beyond his years, Hato combines elegance on the ball with strong positioning and aerial presence. Already featuring regularly for Ajax’s first team, he’s been compared to a young Matthijs de Ligt.

Why he stands out:

• Excellent in build-up play under pressure.

• Reads the game well and rarely overcommits.

• Leadership qualities despite his age.

Expect interest from top clubs if he continues on this trajectory.

⚡ 2. Isaac Babadi (PSV Eindhoven) – 19, Attacking Midfielder

Babadi is one of the most technically gifted young players in the Eredivisie. With his flair, low center of gravity, and sharp vision, he’s made a name for himself as PSV’s creative hub in transition moments.

Key attributes:

• Eye for killer passes.

• Exceptional dribbling in tight spaces.

• Strong work ethic in the press.

He has the makings of a modern No. 10 who can also adapt to deeper roles.

🔥 3. Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord) – 20, Central Midfielder

Milambo became Feyenoord’s youngest debutant ever at 16, and he’s grown into a complete midfielder. His ability to dictate tempo, deliver set pieces, and contribute defensively makes him one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the league.

Strengths:

• Ball retention under pressure.

• Versatility—can play as a 6, 8, or 10.

• Mature decision-making and excellent passing range.

If nurtured well, he could follow the path of former Feyenoord star Orkun Kökçü to European prominence.

🎯 4. Julian Rijkhoff (Ajax) – 20, Striker

Having returned from Borussia Dortmund’s academy, Rijkhoff is seen as Ajax’s next big thing up front. A lethal finisher with smart movement and calmness in the box, he embodies the archetype of a modern striker.

What makes him elite:

• Clinical finishing with both feet.

• Great off-the-ball runs and positioning.

• Poised under pressure in one-on-one situations.

Rijkhoff is poised for a breakout season in 2025.

✨ 5. Mimeirhel Benita (Feyenoord) – 21, Right-Back

Benita brings a rare mix of defensive solidity and attacking flair. As a right-back or wing-back, he covers ground relentlessly, overlaps with precision, and delivers dangerous crosses.

Standout traits:

• Tactical awareness and recovery speed.

• Contributions to attacking phases.

• Leadership and vocal presence on the pitch.

Benita’s name is already on the radar of Premier League scouts.

🧠 6. Youri Regeer (Twente) – 22, Midfielder

Regeer may not be as flashy as others on this list, but his football intelligence is off the charts. Formerly part of Ajax’s youth setup, he’s thriving at Twente as a metronomic central midfielder.

Why he matters:

• Controls tempo and dictates play.

• Strong tactical discipline and positional awareness.

• Provides leadership on and off the ball.

Clubs looking for a low-risk, high-reward midfield general should keep an eye on him.

🏃 7. Emmanuel van de Blaak (PSV) – 19, Centre-Back

Van de Blaak is a physical powerhouse who reads the game well and plays with controlled aggression. He is still refining his technique, but the raw tools are impressive.

Potential attributes:

• Dominant in aerial duels.

• Sharp anticipation and clean tackles.

• Strong in man-to-man situations.

With good coaching and regular minutes, he could develop into a top-tier defender.

⚽ 8. Kian Fitz-Jim (Ajax) – 21, Deep-Lying Playmaker

Fitz-Jim is another Ajax gem with a high football IQ. He plays as a regista, often sitting deep and orchestrating play with calm distribution and vision.

Why he’s special:

• Excellent range of passing and vision.

• Press-resistant and elegant under pressure.

• Could evolve into a key pivot in any possession-based system.

He represents the cerebral side of Dutch football, and bigger stages await him.

🚀 9. Silvano Vos (Ajax) – 20, Defensive Midfielder

Vos is a hard-tackling, ball-winning midfielder with stamina, bite, and tactical awareness. Think of him as Ajax’s future destroyer—combining defensive muscle with smart transitions.

Top qualities:

• Intercepts danger before it develops.

• Makes clean tackles and presses efficiently.

• Good short-passing game to keep possession ticking.

He’s the kind of player modern coaches crave in a double pivot or high-press setup.

🧬 10. David Kalokoh (Ajax) – 19, Winger

Kalokoh is electrifying on the flanks, showcasing rapid pace, creativity, and a hunger for 1v1 situations. His dribbling style resembles a young Ryan Babel, and Ajax sees long-term potential in him.

Attributes:

• Lightning speed and agility.

• Excellent crossing ability.

• Mentality to take risks and make things happen.

Expect him to feature more prominently in 2025 and beyond.

🌍 Eredivisie’s Global Impact on Football

These talents don’t just influence Dutch football—they ripple through Europe. Clubs from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A regularly shop in the Eredivisie not only because of skill, but because Eredivisie players arrive ready—both mentally and tactically.

Some of Europe’s most complete footballers were shaped by this league, and in 2025, it continues to be the ultimate proving ground for football’s next big stars.

🙌 Support Youth Development in Football

The Eredivisie proves that investing in youth isn’t just good for clubs—it’s essential for the growth of the global game. As fans, we should celebrate and support leagues that put player development above short-term results.

Support youth academies. Support rising stars. Support the future of football.