2024 has been a 12 months of unbelievable expertise rising throughout varied sports activities, with younger athletes making main waves. From the Olympics to the tennis courts and soccer fields, Uduak Oscar of SportsRation takes a take a look at these rising stars who’re already capturing the world’s consideration.
1. Lamine Yamal – Soccer, Spain
At simply 17, Lamine Yamal is already some of the thrilling younger gamers on this planet. His performances for Barcelona within the 2023/24 season had been spectacular, however it was at Euro 2024 the place he actually made his mark. Yamal’s contributions had been instrumental in Spain’s triumph, incomes him the Younger Participant of the Event award. His dazzling expertise and goal-scoring skills have made him a generational expertise able to dominate European soccer for years to return.
2. Victor Wembanyama – Basketball, USA (San Antonio Spurs)
At 20 years previous, Victor Wembanyama has been residing as much as the hype that surrounded his entry into the NBA. The 7’4″ middle is dominating each ends of the court docket, main the NBA in blocks per sport (3.6). Wembanyama’s 50-point efficiency on November thirteenth underscored his potential, and his excessive effectivity on 2-point photographs (61%) and continued enchancment in 3-point capturing have made him a key participant for the Spurs. His expertise and progress are a glimpse right into a future NBA celebrity.
3. Zheng Haohao – Skateboarding, China
At solely 11 years previous, Zheng Haohao made historical past because the youngest Olympian on the 2024 Paris Summer season Video games. Although eradicated within the first spherical, her participation marked a milestone for China and impressed younger athletes worldwide. Zheng’s early begin in skateboarding is only the start of what guarantees to be an thrilling profession.
4. Bam Rodriguez – Boxing, USA
At simply 24, Bam Rodriguez is quickly rising by way of the ranks of boxing. A multiple-title holder, Rodriguez’s standout efficiency in June 2024, the place he knocked out legendary fighter Juan Francisco Estrada, was one of many highlights of the 12 months. With an undefeated report of 20-0 (13 KOs), Bam is poised to cement his legacy as one of many sport’s subsequent greats.
5. Cole Palmer – Soccer, England
Cole Palmer, has made a major affect since becoming a member of Chelsea from Manchester Metropolis. His exceptional performances within the Premier League, together with a standout sport with 4 objectives in a single half towards Brighton, plus a spot among the many nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Palmer is already being acknowledged as one in all soccer’s brightest younger skills.
6. Arthur Fils – Tennis, France
At simply 20 years previous, Arthur Fils is quickly turning into one in all tennis’ most fun younger gamers. His victory over world No. 2 Alexander Zverev on the Hamburg Open in 2024 marked a major achievement. Fils’ rise within the ATP rankings has positioned him among the many world’s high 20 gamers, with many predicting even greater issues for the French star.
7. Macklin Celebrini – Hockey, Canada
With 32 objectives in his freshman season at Boston College, Celebrini received the Hobey Baker Award. The 18-year-old was then drafted No. 1 by San Jose and can work close to his dad, Rick, who’s VP of participant well being and efficiency for the NBA’s Warriors.
8. Joao Fonseca – Tennis, Brazil
Joao Fonseca, 18, has been making waves within the tennis world. With a breakout efficiency on the Rio de Janeiro Open and a wildcard entry into the Madrid Masters, Fonseca secured his first ATP Challenger title in Lexington, Kentucky. His highly effective forehand and shotmaking skills counsel a vivid future for this Brazilian tennis star.
9. Aarti – Athletics, India
Aarti, simply 17 years previous, made historical past by bagging India’s first medal on the 2024 World U20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru, profitable bronze within the ladies’s 10,000m race stroll occasion. She completed the race in 44 minutes and 39.39 seconds, setting a brand new U20 nationwide report. Aarti had beforehand certified for the Championships with a bronze on the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in April 2024. Her spectacular efficiency marks the start of what guarantees to be a stellar profession in athletics.
10. Miles Russell – Golf, USA
Miles Russell has been dominating the golf scene in 2024, turning into the youngest participant to ever make the lower on the Korn Ferry Tour. His stellar efficiency continued with a PGA Tour debut on the Rocket Mortgage Basic. Russell shot a 5-under 66 on the Lecom Suncoast Basic in April 2024, highlighting his distinctive expertise. His accolades embody being named the American Junior Golf Affiliation Participant of the 12 months in 2023 and a seven-shot win on the Junior PGA Championship. Along with his fast rise and spectacular performances, Russell is poised to make waves within the skilled golf world, presumably turning professional in 2025.
These younger athletes are simply getting began, and 2024 has already been a breakout 12 months for them. Their skills are shaping the way forward for sports activities, and followers are eagerly watching their careers unfold. From skateboarding to tennis, boxing, Golf and soccer, these stars are inspiring the subsequent era of athletes. Keep watch over them as they proceed to make historical past.
