The revamped FIFA Club World Cup is almost here, and football fans — not to mention sportsbooks — are paying attention for good reason. Between the new format, increased prestige, and the eye-watering $1 billion prize pool on the line, this isn’t just a victory lap for Europe’s elite. It’s a high-stakes, high-pressure proving ground for the next generation of global stars. 

That includes a handful of emerging young players who’ll be stepping onto the pitch not just to fill space, but to make headlines. Some are already drawing interest from top clubs across Europe. Others are just waiting for their moment. Either way, the Club World Cup is a massive stage, and the market hasn’t quite caught up with the upside on some of these young stars. 

Here are the players aged under 23 that we’ve got our eyes on for a potential breakout performance — and why their current odds to be Young Player of the Tournament might be more generous than they should be. 

• Desire Doue, 19 (PSG) 

• Telasco Segovia, 22 (Inter Miami) 

• Franco Mastantuono, 17 (River Plate) 

• Obed Vargas, 19 (Seattle Sounders) 

Why These Four? 

Each of these players brings something unique. Doue has the explosiveness and end-product of a future Ballon d’Or nominee. Segovia is the classic undervalued engine room general. Mastantuono is the teenage wonderkid who could turn the tournament into a launchpad. And Vargas? He’s the glue guy, the anchor who could quietly power his team into the next round. 

What links them all is opportunity. None of them are fringe players — they’re all trusted, starting-caliber talents who will log meaningful minutes in crucial matches. And with the new Club World Cup structure, a couple of strong games could be all it takes to grab headlines, earn a trophy, or cash a longshot bet. 

The markets haven’t caught up yet. The books are still hanging modest goal prices, generous player props, and big odds on awards like Young Player of the Tournament. If you’re ahead of the curve, that’s where the value lives. 

Desire Doue, 19 (Paris Saint-Germain) 

We’ll start with the most obvious shout. Desire Doue has been turning heads all season for PSG, and if anyone’s in pole position to take home the Young Player of the Tournament award, it’s him. 

Let’s start with the numbers. In PSG’s Champions League-winning run, Doue notched five goals and three assists in 16 appearances. His two-goal performance in the final against Inter Milan — including a blistering third that killed the game — was vintage. His confidence, pace, and timing on the wing caused havoc against some of the best defenses in Europe. 

In Ligue 1, he wasn’t just a squad player — he was a major contributor with six goals and several game-winning moments. The French Cup? Add another four. Luis Enrique has him locked in as a starter, and you can tell the system is starting to bend around his strengths. 

At 25/1 to finish as the tournament’s top scorer, the market still hasn’t fully bought in. But don’t let the price fool you. If PSG go deep — which they should — Doue will be on the pitch and in the mix. He’s not just a dark horse. He’s a serious value play if you’re betting on breakout performances. 

Telasco Segovia, 22 (Inter Miami) 

Don’t sleep on Telasco Segovia just because he plays in MLS. The Venezuelan midfielder is one of the most intriguing two-way players in the tournament, and if Inter Miami is going to make a dent, Segovia will be a big reason why. 

In his debut MLS season, Segovia has quietly posted four goals and three assists in 16 appearances. Those aren’t eye-popping stats on their own, but when you factor in his deeper role and defensive workload, it’s a different story. He’s the guy who links the buildup, presses high when needed, and recycles possession to the front three — which includes Messi and Suarez. 

Inter Miami have been flying offensively in the MLS Eastern Conference, averaging over two goals per game. And even though Messi grabs the headlines, Segovia’s vision and positioning have been vital in transition play. 

Their first Club World Cup match is against Al Ahly — a tricky opener, but also a very winnable one. Segovia is hovering around 167/100 to score anytime, and with the way he times his late runs into the box, there’s genuine upside there. He’s not the flashiest pick, but he could end up being one of the most influential. 

Franco Mastantuono, 17 (River Plate) 

This one feels like a setup for a fairytale. Franco Mastantuono is just 17, but he’s already earned a $65 million move to Real Madrid — a transfer that should tell you everything about his potential. 

Despite his age, Mastantuono is already contributing in a big way for River Plate. He’s notched four goals and four assists in Argentina’s top flight, plus a couple more in Copa Libertadores. What’s more impressive is his presence on the ball. He plays with the poise of a seasoned pro — calm under pressure, sharp in the final third, and capable of pulling strings from multiple positions. 

He’s also River’s primary penalty taker, which immediately gives him goal equity, especially in high-leverage tournament games. 

River Plate start off against Urawa Reds, and frankly, that match is ripe for a statement performance. Mastantuono to score first — odds are expected around 41/10 — looks like sneaky-good value if he’s given creative license.

Real Madrid don’t throw that kind of money around on hunches. This kid’s the real deal, and the Club World Cup could be the stage that makes it undeniable. 

Obed Vargas, 19 (Seattle Sounders) 

Now for something different. You won’t find Obed Vargas near any golden boot markets, but that doesn’t mean he’s not one of the most important young players at the tournament. 

Vargas has been with the Seattle Sounders since he was 15 and made his MLS debut back in 2021. He’s already logged five seasons of first-team experience — and he’s only just turned 19! A defensive midfielder by trade, Vargas has become the heartbeat of Seattle’s setup, anchoring their shape and giving them control against more attacking opponents. 

In 2024, Seattle conceded just 35 goals across 34 matches — the best record in the Western Conference — and Vargas’ contribution can’t be overstated. He made 68 tackles (winning 41), broke up play, and often initiated counterattacks from deep. 

Seattle open their Club World Cup run against Botafogo. On paper, the Brazilian side has more attacking flair, but the Sounders will be playing at home at Lumen Field. That’s a big factor, especially with Vargas dictating tempo and snuffing out transitions. Expect a cagey game. Under 2.5 goals at 7/10 feels like a fair price, and if Seattle are to pull off an upset, it’ll be built from Vargas’ work in the engine room. 

Final Thoughts 

There’s always that one name we all pretend we knew about once the tournament ends. Don’t be that person.

Desire Doue, Telasco Segovia, Franco Mastantuono, Obed Vargas. They’re not just youth prospects anymore. They’re here, they’re starting, and they might just be your ticket to getting ahead of the books at this year’s Club World Cup.