Book 5

Marcus Rashford MBE became the youngest football player to score on their England debut, ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament. Marked as a talented forward in the Manchester United Academy from a young age, the homegrown hero has become a force both on and off the pitch. From humble beginnings in Greater Manchester, to pushing the government to tackle food poverty, this young star shines brightly in the Premier League and beyond.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Book 6

Witness the birth of a superstar. Kylian Mbappé was just 19 years old when he became the youngest football player since Brazilian legend Pelé to score at a World Cup final. Already an exceptional striker for Monaco and PSG in France’s Ligue 1, the 2018 tournament made the young Frenchman an international star. From idolising Cristiano Ronaldo to being spoken of in the same breath as the Portuguese star, Kylian continues his rise to the top.   About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best, young players. Featuring talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


One of Britain’s most promising right-wingers, Jadon Sancho has made his mark abroad rather than in the Premier League. At just 17 years old, Jadonmade the bold move not to sign with English juggernaut, Manchester City. He instead became a breakout success in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. An undeniable talent, from London five-a-sides to the pro ranks and international fanfare, Jadon’s stellar football journey has only just begun.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Phil Foden is a once-in-a-generation talent. He grew up dreaming of wearing the sky blue of his boyhood team Manchester City, and it wasn’t long before he was scouted for their academy. With Manchester City legends such as Sergio Agüero and David Silva moving away from the club, a new star has lit up the Etihad Stadium. From Stockport streets to Wembley Arena, witness the rise of a new Premier League hero.

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Making his senior debut at just 16 years old, Ansu Fati became the second youngest footballer to play for Barcelona. He has swiftly set La Liga on fire at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Since playing on makeshift pitches in Guinea-Bissau as a boy, Ansu has made the Camp Nou stadium his home. The famous number 10 shirt previously worn by Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi is his now, and a new star is rising. This is Ansu Fati’s time.

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


At just 20 years old, Kai Havertz became the youngest player to score thirty Bundesliga goals. The attacking midfielder quickly made a name for himself with German club Bayer 04 Leverkusen, before switching to the Premier League with Chelsea. Already a Champions League winner with the Blues, as well as a regular starter for the German national team, Kai is only just getting started on his journey to footballing stardom.

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


A force of nature, Erling Braut Haaland is one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. The goal-scoring machine from Norway made his mark for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga, as well as in the Champions League. Following in his father’s footsteps, Haaland is a globe-trotting sensation, developing his skills in different countries. But which league will he turn to next? Haaland is charting a course to become one ofthe football greats of the new generation.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Arsenal wasted no time in signing local starlet Bukayo Saka for their academy at age 9. In the year Bukayo was born, the Gunners were a footballing force who went on to take a historic trophy double. But the club faded as the years went by. Now a new era has come. Arsenal are looking forwards rather than back. Their future is Bukayo Sako: a talent who excites fans in the Premier League and beyond. 

About the Football Rising Stars series:

Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


With his dazzling skills, João Félix’s parents often joked that he could dribble before he could walk. Once overlooked for his small frame, the forward soon made everyone take note with abilities that took him to the top flight in the Spanish La Liga. A hero for Atlético Madrid, and playing alongside his hero Cristiano Ronaldo for their national team, could the next big thing in football also be coming from Portugal?

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Trent Alexander-Arnold grew up gazing at the gates of Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, and came through the ranks to realise his childhood dream of wearing the famous red himself. At only 21 years old, the talented right-back was part of the team that ended Liverpool’s 30-year wait for the Premier League title. But with so much still to come, including opportunities on the international stage, Alexander-Arnold’s highlight reel is sure to grow.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, Portugal, Norway, France, Germany and Spain, the series covers their unique rise; from playing football in the park and 5-a-sides to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Marie-Antoinette Katoto is one of the best finishers in football. A shy character off the pitch, but an unstoppable force on it, she’s a striker that most defences fear. Raised in Paris, the record-breaking goalscorer is still only at the beginning of her journey.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Mallory Swanson is one of the world’s top forwards. When she’s not scoring goals for the USA, she’s firing them in for her club. Seen as a footballing prodigy, Mallory has dealt with pressure throughout her entire career. Uncover how she found the strength, determination and grit to succeed within the world of football.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Chloe Kelly is a name that has been written into the history books of women’s football. The scorer of that goal, Chloe realised the dreams of football fans across the country. Head behind the scenes and learn what it takes to become a Lioness.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Meet the scorer of that backheel. Alessia Russo is a formidable striker who makes scoring look just too easy. Although a 2023 World Cup win wasn’t to be for England, Alessia played a crucial part in getting her team to the final. A calm presence away from football, she’s a determined and tough force on the pitch. Learn how Alessia grew up to become a part of the history-making Lionesses.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Georgia Stanway is one of the world’s best attacking midfielders. After getting her first team debut when she was still just a teenager, her rise to the top was unstoppable. She has won trophies playing for Manchester City, Bayern Munich and England. During the Euro 2022 tournament, she became known across the world for her extraordinary long shots and attempts on goal. Discover how a young girl from Cumbria grew up to become a roaring Lioness.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Aitana Bonmatí is an inspiring midfielder who plays with flare, precision and skill. After making her mark in Spain’s 2023 World Cup win, she was named as the tournament’s best player and won the Golden Ball. Growing up in Catalonia, she always dreamed of wearing the famous blue and garnet of Barcelona. Discover how Aitana became a star at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Uncover the story behind a scoring sensation. Jordyn Huitema is a Canadian international who has a pure love and enthusiasm for the sport. Picked out as a football prodigy from an early age, she was eventually signed to one of the biggest European clubs and best sides in France, Paris Saint-Germain. Learn how Jordyn coped with that pressure and became one of the most promising talents in world football.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Ella Toone is taking the football world by storm. She has a knack for scoring crucial goals in important matches for both club and country, including the first goal in England’s sensational win over Germany in the 2022 Euros final. This talented and tactical player continues to break barriers, paving the way for all girls who want to play on the pitch. Discover her remarkable story!

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.


Sophia Smith is one of the USA’s top prospects. As the first pick of the 2020 NWSL College Draft, she captivated and inspired some of the best teams in the US, finding her place at Portland Thorns FC. Now a capped international and top goalscorer for her club, Sophia is a forward who most defences fear. Learn how this speedy striker gave her all to become a professional football player.

About the Football Rising Stars series:
Football Rising Stars dives into the incredible journeys of ten of the world’s best young players. Featuring fresh talents from England, France, Spain, Canada and the USA, the series covers their unique rise from playing football in the park to performing in front of capacity crowds on the biggest stage and in the biggest leagues.