Discover the top Eredivisie rising stars of 2025 making waves in Dutch football. Explore their profiles, skills, and future potential as they light up the league.

Eredivisie’s Rising Stars: Players to Watch in 2025

The Eredivisie, the Netherlands’ premier football league, has long been a breeding ground for world-class talent. From Johan Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp to Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, the league is synonymous with youth development and progressive football. In 2025, this tradition continues with a new generation of rising stars making their mark and drawing global attention.

As European scouts keep a watchful eye on the Dutch football scene, these emerging players are turning heads with their technical abilities, vision, and versatility. Whether they’re lighting up the scoreboards or orchestrating plays from deep, these young talents are set to shape the future of Eredivisie and, potentially, international Dis88.

In this article, we take a detailed look at the most promising players in the Eredivisie in 2025. With strong keyword integration and high readability, this is your ultimate guide to Dutch football’s next generation.

The Eredivisie: A Proven Launchpad for Football Careers

The Eredivisie is renowned for its commitment to youth. Clubs such as Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord consistently give young players the opportunity to shine at the senior level. Unlike in many other top leagues, teenagers in the Eredivisie are not just benchwarmers—they’re starters, match-winners, and captains-in-the-making.

This unique environment makes the Dutch league the ideal proving ground for football talents. The 2024-25 season has seen several youngsters break into the spotlight, and 2025 promises even greater breakthroughs.

1. Julian Rijkhoff (Ajax)

Age: 20
Position: Striker

After returning from Borussia Dortmund, Julian Rijkhoff has begun fulfilling the promise he showed as a youth prospect. A clinical finisher with intelligent movement and a knack for poaching goals, Rijkhoff is quickly becoming Ajax’s focal point in attack.

Strengths:

Elite positioning in the box
Composure under pressure
Finishing with both feet

Ajax fans see Rijkhoff as the next great Dutch striker, and his performances in 2025 will be crucial for the club’s title ambitions.

2. Isaac Babadi (PSV Eindhoven)

Age: 19
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Isaac Babadi is the creative heartbeat of PSV’s midfield. With his low center of gravity, silky dribbling, and flair for the spectacular, Babadi has become a fan favorite. He’s already drawn comparisons to a young Georginio Wijnaldum for his box-to-box energy and versatility.

What Makes Him Special:

Vision and passing range
Ability to break defensive lines
Confidence in tight spaces

He is already being monitored by Premier League clubs, but PSV hopes to retain him for at least another season of development.

3. Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

Age: 18
Position: Centre-Back

Despite his age, Hato plays with the maturity of a seasoned defender. With exceptional composure on the ball and a commanding presence at the back, he has become a regular starter for Ajax.

Key Attributes:

Strong tackling and interception skills
Excellent passing out from defense
Leadership potential

Hato is already on the radar of several European giants, and his development in 2025 will be key to Ajax’s defensive stability.

4. Mika Godts (Ajax)

Age: 19
Position: Winger

Belgian winger Mika Godts has added flair and unpredictability to Ajax’s flanks. Known for his pace, agility, and creativity, Godts has the kind of explosive profile that excites fans and frustrates defenders.

Godts’ Highlights:

Dangerous in one-on-one situations
Accurate crosser and set-piece taker
Eye for spectacular goals

Godts is one of the most exciting foreign prospects in the Eredivisie and a vital piece of Ajax’s rebuild.

5. Fedde de Jong (AZ Alkmaar)

Age: 21
Position: Central Midfielder

A box-to-box midfielder with great stamina and technical ability, Fedde de Jong has become a consistent performer for AZ Alkmaar. His work rate and intelligence make him indispensable in both defense and attack.

Why He Stands Out:

Tactical awareness
Reliable passing and long-range shots
Leadership qualities

De Jong is already being discussed as a future Netherlands international, and 2025 could be the year he steps up to that level.

6. Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar)

Age: 20
Position: Left Winger

Son of former Dutch international Mark van Bommel, Ruben has carved his own path with a direct and exciting style of play. He has a sharp left foot and excels at cutting inside from the wing to shoot.

Strengths:

Fast acceleration and dribbling
Deadly finishing from wide angles
Football IQ inherited from his father

Van Bommel has been a consistent performer for AZ, and his development trajectory is pointing upward.

7. Ezechiel Banzuzi (NAC Breda)

Age: 19
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Banzuzi is one of the standout talents outside the traditional top three clubs. A powerful midfielder with an eye for goal, he has played a pivotal role in NAC Breda’s push for Eredivisie survival.

Unique Qualities:

Physical presence in midfield
Excellent late runs into the box
Confident and vocal leader

With clubs like Feyenoord and Utrecht circling, a move to a bigger side in 2025 seems inevitable.

8. Kenneth Taylor (Ajax)

Age: 22
Position: Defensive Midfielder

Though slightly older than the others on this list, Taylor remains a rising star due to his continued growth and importance to Ajax. A modern holding midfielder, Taylor is key to Ajax’s ball progression and transitional play.

What He Brings:

Calm under pressure
Strong positional sense
Leadership and experience despite his age

Taylor could be Ajax’s next big export if he continues on this upward path in 2025.

The Role of Dutch Academies in Developing Talent

One of the main reasons the Eredivisie continues to produce elite football talent is its outstanding academy infrastructure. Clubs like Ajax’s De Toekomst, PSV’s De Herdgang, and Feyenoord’s Varkenoord invest heavily in scouting, youth coaching, and player education.

In addition to technical training, young players in the Netherlands are taught tactical awareness, psychological resilience, and media handling from an early age—making them better prepared for the rigors of professional football.

Eredivisie in 2025: A Talent Goldmine

As of 2025, the Eredivisie is once again cementing its status as a talent hub for European football. Scouts from the Bundesliga, Premier League, and Serie A regularly attend Eredivisie matches in search of the next breakout star. The Dutch league’s balance between competition and development makes it ideal for young players to thrive.

With names like Rijkhoff, Babadi, and Hato leading the charge, the league is not only entertaining fans but also building the future of football.

Conclusion: The Future of Dutch Football Looks Bright

The Eredivisie is in great hands with this exciting group of young footballers. As clubs continue to prioritize youth development, the next wave of stars is already beginning to shine. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Dutch football or just discovering its charm, 2025 is the perfect year to start following these rising stars.

Their talent, drive, and creativity embody everything that makes football the world’s most beloved sport.

Support the next generation of football stars by following the Eredivisie closely this season. Whether you cheer from the stands or stream the games from abroad, your passion fuels the future of the beautiful game. Let’s grow the love for football together—one rising star at a time.