Lionel Messi highlights 10 rising football talents in Adidas campaign

Monday 12 - 18:32

By: Azzat Manal

Lionel Messi highlights 10 rising football talents in Adidas campaign

Argentine football star Lionel Messi has highlighted 10 promising young players who could help shape the future of the sport as part of a promotional campaign by sportswear brand Adidas. The initiative celebrates emerging talent across men’s and women’s football, bringing attention to a new generation of players attracting interest on the international stage.

The campaign features the message, “10 chapters rewriting the future of the game… this is a story that has only just begun,” presenting the selected players as part of football’s next generation. According to Argentine sports outlet TyC Sports, the list includes several young prospects from different countries and leagues.

Among those featured is Argentine midfielder Thomas Aranda, a young talent at Boca Juniors. Messi reportedly saw Aranda during preparations with Argentina’s national team ahead of a series of friendly matches leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The selection also includes Turkish player Can Uzun of Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Mexican prospect Gilberto Mora of Tijuana, and English youngster Max Dowman of Arsenal. Their inclusion reflects the campaign’s international scope and its focus on players developing their careers in different football environments.

Other names on the list are American player Xavier Gozo, associated with Crystal Palace; Spanish footballer Jesús Rodríguez, who plays for Italian club Como 1907; and Dutch prospect Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar. The group brings together emerging players from several European and international competitions.

Women’s football is also represented through Chelsea player Chloe Sarai, Brazilian talent Giovanna Waksman of Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, and German player Lotta Wrede of Hamburg’s women’s team. Their presence highlights the growing visibility of young female footballers and the importance of developing talent across both sides of the game.

By placing these players in the spotlight, Adidas is drawing attention to football’s evolving talent landscape and the potential of young athletes to influence the sport in the years ahead. Messi’s involvement adds considerable visibility to the initiative, given his status as one of the most recognizable figures in world football.

The campaign also reflects the broader role of sports brands in promoting emerging athletes and connecting established stars with the next generation. While the selection does not guarantee future success, it offers a snapshot of players attracting attention as they continue to develop their skills and pursue opportunities at the highest levels of the game.