The Bundesliga is one of the strongest and most reputable leagues in Europe, launching the careers of many decorated players and managers, such as Jurgen Klopp and, arguably the best-ever striker in the Bundesliga, Robert Lewandowski. It has also produced eight Champions League wins, and catapulted young players like Erling Haaland and Benjamin Pavard to international prominence.
The league is still held in high regard, and is considered a hotbed for many wonderkids and young stars on the cusp of greatness. Though much of this season might have been dominated by stories of the arrival of Harry Kane, there are still plenty of great youngsters ready to become the next big thing. Here are some of the biggest name rising stars in the Bundesliga currently:
Xavi Simons
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Attacking midfielder
Age: 20 (born 21 April 2003)
Barcelona’s transfer activity these days might raise a few eyebrows, but they sure used to know how to produce top youngsters. Xavi Simons, a former product of La Masia, is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from French giants PSG, and the 20-year-old attacking midfield prodigy has already made a significant impact with four goals and nine assists in 16 appearances so far this season. He has previously enjoyed a strong spell at PSV Eindhoven, which showcased his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities, and this has continued with Leipzig. Simons played a crucial role in the team’s presence in the Bundesliga’s top four and their progression to the UEFA Champions League last 16.
Mathys Tel
Age: 18 (born: 27 April 2005)
Position: Striker
Club: Bayern Munich
Bayern’s 18-year-old wonderkid striker Mathys Tel has displayed exceptional talent, contributing three goals and two assists in 11 appearances. His impactful performances, including a memorable goal against Werder Bremen, have solidified his role as a rising star of the future. Whilst his opportunities are bound to be low due to deputising for new arrival Harry Kane, Tel’s success in the UEFA Champions League and DFB Cup highlights his versatility and adds to Bayern’s attacking options.
Maximilian Beier
Club: Hoffenheim
Position: Striker
Age: 20 (born: 17 October 2002)
Hoffenhaim also boast a young and exciting striker of their own, 20-year-old Maximilian Beier. After scoring 10 league goals across two loan spells with 2. Bundesliga side Hannover, he has been a regular starter for Hoffenhaim this season, registering 6 strikes in 16 games for the European hopefuls. He is one of the best and most promising youngsters in the Bundesliga right now.
Rocco Reitz
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach
Position: Midfielder
Age: 21 (29 May 2002)
Rocco Reitz, the 21-year-old midfielder at Borussia Mönchengladbach, enjoyed two loan spells with Sint-Truiden of the Belgian Pro League, before establishing himself in the Bundesliga as a mainstay in Mönchengladbach’s midfield. With four goals and one assist in 15 appearances, the defensive midfielder has been instrumental in Gladbach’s comeback victories, showcasing his growth and resilience.
Eren Dinkçi
Club: Heidenheim
Position: Right-wing
Age: 22 (13 December 2001)
Eren Dinkçi has been a vital cog in the wheel of Heidenheim’s machine, as they look to secure survival in their first season back in the top flight. The 22-year-old right-winger on loan from Werder Bremen has been a vital part of the newly promoted team’s fearless approach. With five goals in 14 appearances, Dinkçi’s pace and skill have played a key role in Heidenheim’s impressive performances.
Merlin Röhl
Club: Freiburg
Position: Central/ attacking midfielder
Age: 21
Merlin Röhl, the 21-year-old central/attacking midfielder at Freiburg, has become a regular presence, contributing one goal and three assists in 12 appearances. Röhl’s performances earned him a Bundesliga Rookie of the Month nomination, showcasing his impact in both domestic and Europa League competitions.
Angelo Stiller
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Position: Defensive midfielder
Age: 22 (born 4 April 2001)
Angelo Stiller, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder at VfB Stuttgart, has stood out with three assists in 15 appearances. Playing a crucial role in Stuttgart’s remarkable season, Stiller’s accurate passing and contributions from deep midfield have been noteworthy, showcasing his development from his time at Bayern Munich’s youth teams to an established figure in Stuttgart’s midfield under coach Sebastian Hoeneß.
