What makes soccer electrifying? It’s not just the matches, the goals, or the rivalries. Sometimes, it’s the chance to see new talent blossom on the pitch, transforming the game with every touch, pass, or save. And as we look forward to 2025, there’s a wave of young, homegrown players poised to take Major League Soccer (MLS) by storm. These rising stars are not only worth the hype but also ready to leave their mark on both the local and international soccer scene.
Here’s a look at ten breakout players who are set to dominate in 2025, showcasing their talent, inspiring their teams, and giving soccer fans plenty of reason to cheer.
Cavan Sullivan – The Next Soccer Prodigy
At just 16, Cavan Sullivan is already turning heads for the Philadelphia Union. With his quick feet and creative flair, this midfielder has been destined for greatness since his early teens. He holds the record for the youngest player in MLS history, having debuted at just 15 years old. Known for his attacking spark, he recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in the MLS NEXT Pro league and is expected to make a significant impact on the Union’s first team this year.
What sets Sullivan apart? His maturity on the ball, relentless ambition, and ability to dazzle even under pressure. With a German passport in hand, he’s already on Europe's radar and is lined up for a move to Manchester City once he turns 18. But for now, 2025 might just be the year he cements his legacy in MLS before he heads off to Europe’s biggest stage.
Why Watch Him:
Sullivan is a player whose potential leaps off the screen. Whether it's assisting in tight spaces or delivering game-winning plays, every touch of his feet is worth keeping an eye on.
Julian Hall – A Goal-Scoring Machine in the Making
From the New York Red Bulls comes Julian Hall, an exciting forward with a knack for finding the back of the net. Hall became the club’s youngest-ever scorer at just 15 and notched multiple impactful moments as a supersub. The young attacker finished 2024 with two goals, one assist, and drew a crucial foul leading to an opposition red card during the team’s playoff surge.
At just 16, Hall’s goal-scoring instincts, paired with his high work rate, are drawing attention from both the U.S. and Polish national teams. With the Red Bulls focusing on developing youth talent, Hall’s role for 2025 could skyrocket as he continues his rise.
Why Watch Him:
Imagine a player who combines raw speed with clinical finishing. Hall not only delivers at key moments but also has the drive to grow into an instrumental part of his team’s offense.
Peyton Miller – The Teenage Defender to Watch
At only 17, Peyton Miller is already catching scouts’ eyes in Europe. The New England Revolution took a chance on this teenage left-back, and it’s paying off. After making eight league starts in his debut season, Miller gained over 900 first-team minutes in 2024. Known for his athleticism and excellent match IQ, Miller has already proven he can handle high-pressure situations and is positioned to become one of MLS’s standout defenders.
With the Revs trading veteran DeJuan Jones to make room for Miller, the team has shown it’s fully invested in his development. His confidence and ability to control the flank offer New England an enormous boost heading into the new season.
Why Watch Him:
Miller’s combination of youth, skill, and composure on the field promises moments of brilliance. If he hits the right notes in 2025, he could set a standard for young defenders coming through MLS academies.
Taha Habroune – Columbus Crew’s Creative Spark
Columbus Crew have cultivated a stellar development pipeline, and now Taha Habroune is next in line. Known for his slick passing and attacking instincts, this No. 8 midfielder is already earning respect at just 18 years old. He’s confident on the ball, capable of threading incredible passes, and fearless in the way he controls the flow of the game.
2024 saw Habroune spending lots of time around the first team, learning and adapting, and with Columbus prioritizing young talent, he’s expected to thrive in 2025. Drawing inspiration from his Moroccan roots and his family’s love for the game, Habroune has the drive and pedigree to create magic on the field.
Why Watch Him:
With his technical skills and vision, Habroune carries the potential to dominate the midfield. His progress will be exciting to track as he transitions into more significant roles for the Crew.
John Pulskamp – Guarding the Goal for Sporting Kansas City
Goalkeepers don’t often get the same buzz as outfield players, but John Pulskamp is changing that narrative. At 23, he’s claimed the number-one role for Sporting Kansas City, thanks to his impressive reflex saves and strong distribution. With 28 MLS starts under his belt and experience as an alternate for the U.S. men’s Olympic team, Pulskamp is primed to take on 2025 with full force.
His coaches praise his ambition, work ethic, and readiness to lead from the backline during Sporting’s rebuild phase. The responsibility on his shoulders is heavy, but Pulskamp’s reliability between the posts could be a game-changer.
Why Watch Him:
Pulskamp has a unique chance to grow into a league-leading goalkeeper this season. If he delivers consistently, he can become a major factor in Kansas City’s future success.
Santiago Morales – The Miami Maestro in the Making
The son of MLS legend Javier Morales, Santiago Morales is stepping into his father’s shoes at Inter Miami. At just 18, Santiago has already shown remarkable composure on the ball, even scoring a penalty during a preseason match against Club América that earned smiles and applause from Lionel Messi himself.
While he might still be finding his footing at the senior level, the creative midfielder has the potential and soccer IQ needed to eventually pull the strings for Miami’s attacking play. With an increasingly busy schedule ahead for Inter Miami’s star-studded squad, Santiago’s role could expand significantly in 2025.
Why Watch Him:
The Morales family legacy is alive and well with Santiago. His skillful moves and game awareness make him one to track for Miami fans and beyond.
Reed Baker-Whiting – Seattle’s Reliable All-Rounder
A versatile talent for the Seattle Sounders, Reed Baker-Whiting (RBW) has already played over 2,200 minutes as a dependable rotation option. The 19-year-old’s ability to excel as a modern fullback or midfielder gives Seattle flexibility in a packed 2025 schedule.
Though hamstring injuries have slowed him down, RBW’s grit and intelligent decision-making have impressed scouts worldwide and earned him a spot on The Guardian’s list of best young talent. If he stays healthy, 2025 could be his breakout year.
Why Watch Him:
RBW’s adaptability and maturity make him a player who can plug gaps and deliver steady, impactful performances for a competitive Seattle team.
What makes these players so exciting isn’t just their skill sets – it’s their stories. From overcoming injuries to stepping into historic family legacies, each of these young athletes is ready to something unique to the field.
