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Rising Latino Stars Owning the FIFA U-17 World Cup
The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted this year in Qatar from November 3 to 27, marks the 20th edition of the tournament and the 40th anniversary of the competition that has long been a proving ground for the world’s next generation of soccer talent. Expanded to include 48 nations for the first time, this year’s World Cup showcases the diversity and energy of global youth soccer like never before.
The tournament features twelve groups of four teams each, with the top two from every group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage. This newly expanded format allows for more opportunities, more goals, and more drama. Traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Nigeria, and France arrive with rich histories in the tournament, while emerging soccer nations like Uganda, New Caledonia, and Tajikistan bring fresh energy to the global stage.
All continents are represented, but Latin America’s presence this year feels especially powerful. From South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia lead the charge. From CONCACAF, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Haiti join the party, alongside the regional heavyweights Canada and the United States. Together, these teams make Latin America one of the largest and most vibrant blocs in Qatar, carrying with them not only skill and passion but also a deep sense of identity and pride in their soccer heritage.
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Historically, Latin American countries have been powerhouses in this tournament. Brazil, with four titles (1997, 1999, 2003, and 2019), is right behind Nigeria as the most successful team in U-17 FIFA World Cup history. Mexico, champions in 2005 and 2011, have consistently been contenders, while Argentina is still in the hunt for their first title in this category: it’s the only major youth trophy missing from their collection.
Across the twelve groups, several matches have already grabbed attention. Brazil made a statement with a stunning 7–0 win over Honduras in Group H, while Argentina squeaked past Belgium in an intense 3–2 showdown in Group D and Venezuela beat England by 3-0 in Group E. Colombia fought valiantly for a 1–1 draw with the reigning champions Germany, showcasing their determination and tactical maturity. These early signs indicate that the Latin teams aren’t just present, they’re making their mark.
Thomás De Martis (Argentina – Lanús)
Argentina’s top weapon in Qatar is Thomás De Martis, the young forward from Lanús who ended up as the leading scorer at this year’s South American Championship with six goals. De Martis is the epitome of a classic number nine but with a modern flair: his off-the-ball movements and pressing intensity make him a constant challenge for defenders, while his composed finishing mirrors the assurance of a seasoned striker.
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Jerónimo Gómez Mattar (Argentina – Newell’s Old Boys)
Captain, playmaker, and emotional anchor, Jerónimo Gómez Mattar is leading the next evolution of the Argentine midfield. Coming from Newell’s Old Boys, the same academy that developed Lionel Messi, Gómez Mattar blends elegance with tenacity. Already making his debut in Argentina’s top league, he reads the game like a veteran. His leadership is as essential as his technique: in a team packed with young talent, he’s the one who keeps them steady, setting the pace and displaying an authority rare for a 16-year-old.
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Zé Lucas (Brazil – Sport Recife)
The heartbeat of Brazil’s U-17 squad, Zé Lucas leads the Seleção with a mix of calm control and relentless drive. A defensive midfielder with sharp passing skills and impeccable positioning, he embodies the Brazilian school of balance, able to both disrupt play and create opportunities with equal precision. His performances at the South American Championship made him indispensable, and under his guidance, Brazil’s 7–0 rout of Honduras looked like a symphony of organization and flair.
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Ruan Pablo (Brazil – Bahia)
If Zé Lucas takes the lead, Ruan Pablo gets the finish. The forward from Bahia is already making waves in Brazil’s domestic competitions, but in Qatar, he’s becoming a global sensation. Ruan Pablo, quick, powerful, and opportunistic, scored three goals in the continental qualifiers and added another in Brazil’s World Cup opener. What sets him apart isn’t just his ability to score, but his unshakable confidence, the kind of confidence Brazilian legends often display before they’re even 18.
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Santiago Londoño (Colombia – Envigado FC)
Colombia’s great hope wears the number nine for Envigado FC, the same club that nurtured James Rodríguez. Santiago Londoño is tall, fast, and fearless, combining physical power with a creative spark. His five goals at the South American Championship showcased a striker who can dominate both in the middle and on the counterattack. Against Germany, he delivered a mature, tireless performance, fighting for every ball and creating chances from nothing.
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As the tournament unfolds, these five rising Latino stars are proving that soccer’s future is written in the rhythms of Latin America. From Buenos Aires to Recife, from Medellín to Rosario, their stories echo a shared truth: that passion, talent, and heart can make youth soccer look like the purest version of the beautiful game.
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