Best FIFA 22 Young Players: 20 Future Stars Detailed

Photo by EA Sports

FIFA 22 career mode players, especially when starting up a new save, want to know who the best up-and-coming players are in the game. Future stars, if you would, are the young players from around the world that have the highest potential to grow into superstars. Over the years, names like Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs De Ligt, Frenkie De Jong and more have been consistencies in the grouping.

So, who are the best future stars in FIFA 22? Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the top 20 players in terms of potential. We've broken down our list in terms of positioning as well:

  • Best Defenders
  • Best Midfielders
  • Best Attackers

FIFA 22 Best Defenders With Highest Potential

Here's a list of the four best defenders when it comes to defending. Defenders include center backs, fullbacks and goalkeepers:

  • Jules Kounde - CB / Sevilla - 89 Potential
  • Dayot Upamecano - CB / Bayern Munich - 90 Potential
  • Matthijs de Ligt - CB / Piemonte Calcio - 91 Potential
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold - RB / Liverpool - 92 Potential
  • Gianluigi Donnarumma - GK / Paris Saint-Germain - 93 Potential

Jules Kounde - Sevilla (CB - 89 Potential)

Jules Kounde
Sevilla FC v Levante UD - LaLiga Santander / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Jules Kounde is one of the most promising young defenders in the world. Currently playing for Sevilla, the French defender was reportedly close to a move to Chelsea this past summer. For those looking for the next up-and-coming defender for their squads, look no further than Kounde.

Dayot Upamecano - Bayern Munich (CB - 90 Potential)

Dayot Upamecano
SL Benfica v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Upamecano made his move to Bayern Munich after making a name for himself at RB Leipzig. The player was linked to clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal in the past before choosing the Bundesliga giants as his next destination. With 90 potential, only one player has a higher potential than Upamecano. Locking him up, potentially next to someone like Kounde or an established player, would solidify your backline for seasons to come.

Matthijs De Ligt - Piemonte Calcio (CB - 91 Potential)

Matthijs de Ligt
Juventus v US Sassuolo - Serie A / Emilio Andreoli/GettyImages

De Ligt established himself with Ajax during the 2018/19 Champions League season on an international stage. After that season, he moved to Juventus otherwise known as Piemonte Calcio in FIFA. He has the highest potential of all central defenders in the game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool (RB - 92 Potential)

Trent Alexander-Arnold
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League / Michael Regan/GettyImages

It's easy to forget Trent considering he's already a major star on the world stage, but he's just 23 years old. He's already won the Premier League and Champions League as a member of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool and is one of the best players in the entire world. Look no further than Trent when it comes to locking up your right-back position for years to come.

Gianluigi Donnarumma - Paris Saint-Germain (GK - 93 Potential)

Gianluigi Donnarumma
Paris Saint Germain v Angers SCO - Ligue 1 Uber Eats / Xavier Laine/GettyImages

The 22-year-old keeper achieved greatness this past summer when he helped Italy win the Euros. After that, he earned a move to Paris Saint-Germain after rising to popularity at AC Milan. He's undoubtedly the best goalkeeper to have when it comes to potential.

FIFA 22 Best Midfielders With Highest Potential

  • Federico Valverde - CM / Real Madrid - 89 Potential
  • Mason Mount - CAM / Chelsea - 89 Potential
  • Ryan Gravenberch - CM / Ajax - 90 Potential
  • Pedri - CM / FC Barcelona - 91 Potential
  • Kai Havertz - CAM / Chelsea - 92 Potential
  • Phil Foden - CAM / Manchester City - 92 Potential

Federico Valverde - Real Madrid (CM - 89 Potential)

Fede Valverde
RCD Espanyol v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Valverde has been pegged as the future to Real Madrid's midfield. He's got big shoes to fill considering the amount of class that's played there over the past decade. The likes of Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Isco and more. Valverde is a fan-favorite in FIFA Ultimate Team, and he's one of the best prospects in La Liga.

Mason Mount - Chelsea (CM - 89 Potential)

Mason Mount
Chelsea v Southampton - Carabao Cup Round of 16 / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages

Chelsea has numerous young stars, including Mason Mount in midfield. The English youngster won the Champions League and has become a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel's side. Another Chelsea midfielder makes the list as well later on.

Ryan Gravenberch - Ajax (CM - 90 Potential)

Ryan Gravenberch
Ajax v PSV - Dutch Eredivisie / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Some might not know Gravenberch, but he looks to be one of the best future stars in the world. Ajax is known for producing some of the best talent in the world and Gravenberch boasts 90 potential in central midfield.

Pedri - FC Barcelona (CM - 91 Potential)

Pedri
SL Benfica v FC Barcelona: Group E - UEFA Champions League / David Ramos/GettyImages

When you talk about the best youngsters in La Liga, Pedri is at the top of that list if not the number one result. Despite Barcelona's recent struggles, Pedri looks to be one for the future not only for club but also country.

Kai Havertz - Chelsea (CAM - 92 Potential)

Kai Havertz
Chelsea v Southampton - Carabao Cup Round of 16 / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages

Havertz was part of Frank Lampard's big transfer window before he got sacked. He was one of the most promising players in all of the Bundesliga rising to notoriety with Bayer Leverkusen. He's struggled a bit in the Premier League, but that hasn't taken away from his potential. In fact, he scored the only goal and game-winner in Chelsea's Champions League final victory over Manchester City.

Phil Foden - Manchester City (CAM - 92 Potential)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City - Premier League
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City - Premier League / MB Media/GettyImages

Perhaps the most exciting young English talent in the world is Phil Foden. He's earned his way into Pep Guardiola's side over the past two seasons and has firmly cemented himself a starter this year. With 92 potential, there aren't many options better available.

FIFA 22 Best Attackers With Highest Potential

  • Federico Chiesa - RW / Piemonte Calcio - 89 Potential
  • Marcus Rashford - LM / Manchester United - 89 Potential
  • Ansu Fati - LW / FC Barcelona - 90 Potential
  • Vinicius Jr. - LW / Real Madrid - 90 Potential
  • Ferran Torres - RW / Manchester City - 90 Potential
  • Joao Felix - CF / Atletico Madrid - 91 Potential
  • Jadon Sancho - RM / Manchester United - 91 Potential
  • Erling Haaland - ST / Borussia Dortmund - 93 Potential
  • Kylian Mbappe - ST / Paris Saint-Germain - 95 Potential

Federico Chiesa - Piemonte Calcio (RW - 89 Potential)

Federico Chiesa
Juventus v US Sassuolo - Serie A / Emilio Andreoli/GettyImages

One of the most exciting Italian talents moved to Juventus last season and emerged on the world stage during the Euros. Adding Chiesa to your squad gives you a top-tier right winger to mold into a star.

Marcus Rashford - Manchester United (LM - 89 Potential)

Marcus Rashford
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League / Shaun Botterill/GettyImages

Rashford has been established at Manchester United for years now that it's easy to forget he belongs on this list. As a left midfielder who can push up to either a winger or striker, Rashford is a valuable asset in Career Mode.

Ansu Fati - FC Barcelona (LW - 90 Potential)

Ansu Fati
FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander / Eric Alonso/GettyImages

FIFA fans got a taste of Ansu Fati last year early on, especially in Ultimate Team with his La Liga Player of the Month item. He's one of two left wingers with 90 potential in La Liga. Fati has been tapped as the future of Barcelona's attack and one of the most exciting youngsters in the world.

Vinicius Jr. - Real Madrid (LW - 90 Potential)

Vinícius Júnior
Real Madrid CF v CA Osasuna - La Liga Santander / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

Vinicius Jr. is the other left winger with 90 potential in La Liga. Real Madrid's young star continues to grow each and every season.

Ferran Torres - Manchester City (RW - 90 Potential)

Ferran Torres
Spain v France - UEFA Nations League 2021 Final / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

Another young and exciting player for Spain, Ferran Torres moved to Manchester City last season. He's got big shoes to fill when it comes to Riyad Mahrez, but he's got 90 potential in FIFA.

Joao Felix - Atletico Madrid (CF - 91 Potential)

Joao Felix
Club Atletico de Madrid v Real Sociedad - LaLiga Santander / Denis Doyle/GettyImages

Joao Felix's transfer from Benfica to Atletico Madrid was one of the most talked about in recent memory. Playing alongside the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez, Felix is one for the future. He's got 91 potential only trailing two other players in his position.

Jadon Sancho - Manchester United (RM - 91 Potential)

Jadon Sancho
Manchester United v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League / Naomi Baker/GettyImages

Manchester United fans finally got their guy when Sancho transferred from Borussia Dortmund this season. He's had a rocky start to life in Manchester, but he's still one of the most promising players in the entire world. With 91 potential as a right midfielder who can move further up the pitch, Sancho is one to target.

Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund (ST - 93 Potential)

Erling Haaland
AFC Ajax v Borussia Dortmund: Group C - UEFA Champions League / Dean Mouhtaropoulos/GettyImages

It's crazy to think three years ago a majority of the world didn't know Erling Haaland. Since then, the Norwegian striker made a name for himself in the Champions League with RB Salzburg. From there, he joined up with Borussia Dortmund and became one of, if not the most exciting young player in the entire world.

Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain (ST - 95 Potential)

Kylian Mbappe
Olympique de Marseille v Paris Saint Germain - Ligue 1 Uber Eats / ATPImages/GettyImages

What hasn't been said already about Kylian Mbappe? From breakout star at AS Monaco to back-to-back FIFA cover athlete, Mbappe is the young star of the world at PSG. He's got the highest potential of all players in the game at 95. Having him up top means having one of, if not the best player in the entire game at striker.