Yamal and Messi will get the headlines, but what rising ballers could be worth collecting?
One of the most popular card collecting sub-sections is being a ‘Player Collector’. This, as you can guess, is building a collection of cards from one specific player in your PC. As you’d expect, the first players that come to mind are either your GOATS (Messi, Ronaldo, Pepe, Maradona), your Legends (R9, Zidane, Carlos) and your rookies (Yamal, Bellingham, Wirtz). However, there are plenty of players to consider who are just on the cusp of greatness. Maybe they’re a late bloomer…potentially they’re getting their plaudits towards the end of their career, or, perhaps they are on one step away from joining an elite club.
Here are 5 players we think are worth keeping an eye on:
Cole Palmer
Most people were shocked when Cole Palmer moved from his Boyhood club Manchester City to Chelsea. The assumption was that Pep thought he was not at the level to start at the club. He’s proved doubters wrong, single-handedly dragging Chelsea out of obscurity and into the UEFA Conference League. Although he’s been rested for the initial stages of the competition, expect him to make his impression if Chelsea go deep into the competition.
Benjamin Šeško
Opting to stay at RasenBallsport Leipzig – despite firm interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – Benjamin Šeško has made it clear that he wants to continue developing at one of Europe’s most exciting clubs. The Slovenian who joined RB Leipzig from FC Salzburg in 2023, netted 14 goals in 31 games during his debut campaign in Germany. This year he’ll be looking to surpass that number.
Kenan Yıldız
In the first round of the new Champions League, Yildiz became Juventus’ youngest-ever Champions League goal scorer – surpassing club legend Alessandro del Piero! Considering he’s a starter for Juventus, the Turkish international is not talked about in the same way other players of his age are.
Omar Marmoush
There’s a new Egyptian king in town and like Salah, Omar Marmosh is somewhat of a late bloomer. At 25, the Frankfurt forward has increased his output significantly – going from under 5 goals a season to 17 in 41 last year. This season he’s outscoring Salah, sitting third overall in Europe’s top-scorers list behind only Lewandowski and Haaland!
Bradley Barcola
With Kylian Mbappé moving on, Bradley Barcola has stepped in to provide a touch of class from the left for PSG. With 6 goals in 8 matches, his numbers line up with his fellow countryman. Barcola can also be considered a bit of a late bloomer in this day and age, making his international debut at 21 as a surprise call-up for the French national team at UEFA Euro 2024. His first Rookie card also debuted in that same 2023/24 season.
