Insight

Watch out!

Dom Hogan and Aaryan Parasnis pick six sparkling talents ready to make their mark in the Champions League this season

Issue 28

Yan Diomandé | Forward

Real Madrid | Ivorian | 14/11/2006

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

The Ivorian winger exploded onto the scene with Leipzig in 2025/26, and his eye-catching World Cup displays then convinced Real Madrid to make him their record signing. Diomande is an electrifying watch, sure to light up Europe with his athleticism, dynamism and creativity.

Ayyoub Bouaddi | Midfielder

Manchester City| Moroccan | 02/10/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 10/0

While many in France already knew what a talent the defensive midfielder is, the rest of the world took notice this summer, when Bouaddi made the World Cup seem like his playground. Calm on the ball with the technical ability to match, the Moroccan teenager will be hard to miss this season after Manchester City won the race for his services over the summer.

Nico Paz | Midfielder

Como | Argentinian | 08/09/2004

UCL all-time apps/goals: 4/1

A technically gifted, left-footed Argentinian who can scan the pitch in seconds, break through defensive lines, play laser-guided passes and wears the No10? Familiar though that sounds, Paz is unique. After making his Champions League debut with Real Madrid in 2023, he’s set to lead the way for Como in their debut campaign.  

Johan Manzambi | Midfielder

Aston Villa | Swiss | 14/10/2005

UCL all-time apps/goals: 0/0

Boasting exceptional technique and balance to go with his tremendous work rate, Manzambi shone in the Europa League last term. He was pivotal in Freiburg’s run to the final, earning UEFA's Revelation of the Season award, but after a club-record move this summer, he’ll be taking on the Champions League with victors Aston Villa this season.

Rodrigo Mora | Midfielder

Roma | Portuguese | 05/05/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

A former top scorer at the Under-17 EURO, Mora had already made 80 senior appearances for Porto before joining Roma over the summer. His low centre of gravity and ability to either release team-mates with quick combinations or show off his knack for scoring make him a potent danger. One to watch in his maiden Champions League adventure.

Rio Ngumoha | Forward

Liverpool | English | 29/08/2008

UCL all-time apps/goals: 5/0

It takes a special player indeed to make their Champions League debut at 17, and that’s exactly what Ngumoha is. The Liverpool starlet is a slippery, tricky customer out wide, with dazzling feet capable of leaving any defender in his wake. Don’t be fooled by his baby-faced appearance – this kid is lethal.

Yan Diomandé | Forward

Real Madrid | Ivorian | 14/11/2006

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

The Ivorian winger exploded onto the scene with Leipzig in 2025/26, and his eye-catching World Cup displays then convinced Real Madrid to make him their record signing. Diomande is an electrifying watch, sure to light up Europe with his athleticism, dynamism and creativity.

Ayyoub Bouaddi | Midfielder

Manchester City| Moroccan | 02/10/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 10/0

While many in France already knew what a talent the defensive midfielder is, the rest of the world took notice this summer, when Bouaddi made the World Cup seem like his playground. Calm on the ball with the technical ability to match, the Moroccan teenager will be hard to miss this season after Manchester City won the race for his services over the summer.

Nico Paz | Midfielder

Como | Argentinian | 08/09/2004

UCL all-time apps/goals: 4/1

A technically gifted, left-footed Argentinian who can scan the pitch in seconds, break through defensive lines, play laser-guided passes and wears the No10? Familiar though that sounds, Paz is unique. After making his Champions League debut with Real Madrid in 2023, he’s set to lead the way for Como in their debut campaign.  

Johan Manzambi | Midfielder

Aston Villa | Swiss | 14/10/2005

UCL all-time apps/goals: 0/0

Boasting exceptional technique and balance to go with his tremendous work rate, Manzambi shone in the Europa League last term. He was pivotal in Freiburg’s run to the final, earning UEFA's Revelation of the Season award, but after a club-record move this summer, he’ll be taking on the Champions League with victors Aston Villa this season.

Rodrigo Mora | Midfielder

Roma | Portuguese | 05/05/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

A former top scorer at the Under-17 EURO, Mora had already made 80 senior appearances for Porto before joining Roma over the summer. His low centre of gravity and ability to either release team-mates with quick combinations or show off his knack for scoring make him a potent danger. One to watch in his maiden Champions League adventure.

Rio Ngumoha | Forward

Liverpool | English | 29/08/2008

UCL all-time apps/goals: 5/0

It takes a special player indeed to make their Champions League debut at 17, and that’s exactly what Ngumoha is. The Liverpool starlet is a slippery, tricky customer out wide, with dazzling feet capable of leaving any defender in his wake. Don’t be fooled by his baby-faced appearance – this kid is lethal.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

Yan Diomandé | Forward

Real Madrid | Ivorian | 14/11/2006

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

The Ivorian winger exploded onto the scene with Leipzig in 2025/26, and his eye-catching World Cup displays then convinced Real Madrid to make him their record signing. Diomande is an electrifying watch, sure to light up Europe with his athleticism, dynamism and creativity.

Ayyoub Bouaddi | Midfielder

Manchester City| Moroccan | 02/10/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 10/0

While many in France already knew what a talent the defensive midfielder is, the rest of the world took notice this summer, when Bouaddi made the World Cup seem like his playground. Calm on the ball with the technical ability to match, the Moroccan teenager will be hard to miss this season after Manchester City won the race for his services over the summer.

Nico Paz | Midfielder

Como | Argentinian | 08/09/2004

UCL all-time apps/goals: 4/1

A technically gifted, left-footed Argentinian who can scan the pitch in seconds, break through defensive lines, play laser-guided passes and wears the No10? Familiar though that sounds, Paz is unique. After making his Champions League debut with Real Madrid in 2023, he’s set to lead the way for Como in their debut campaign.  

Johan Manzambi | Midfielder

Aston Villa | Swiss | 14/10/2005

UCL all-time apps/goals: 0/0

Boasting exceptional technique and balance to go with his tremendous work rate, Manzambi shone in the Europa League last term. He was pivotal in Freiburg’s run to the final, earning UEFA's Revelation of the Season award, but after a club-record move this summer, he’ll be taking on the Champions League with victors Aston Villa this season.

Rodrigo Mora | Midfielder

Roma | Portuguese | 05/05/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

A former top scorer at the Under-17 EURO, Mora had already made 80 senior appearances for Porto before joining Roma over the summer. His low centre of gravity and ability to either release team-mates with quick combinations or show off his knack for scoring make him a potent danger. One to watch in his maiden Champions League adventure.

Rio Ngumoha | Forward

Liverpool | English | 29/08/2008

UCL all-time apps/goals: 5/0

It takes a special player indeed to make their Champions League debut at 17, and that’s exactly what Ngumoha is. The Liverpool starlet is a slippery, tricky customer out wide, with dazzling feet capable of leaving any defender in his wake. Don’t be fooled by his baby-faced appearance – this kid is lethal.

Insight

Watch out!

Dom Hogan and Aaryan Parasnis pick six sparkling talents ready to make their mark in the Champions League this season

Text Link

Yan Diomandé | Forward

Real Madrid | Ivorian | 14/11/2006

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

The Ivorian winger exploded onto the scene with Leipzig in 2025/26, and his eye-catching World Cup displays then convinced Real Madrid to make him their record signing. Diomande is an electrifying watch, sure to light up Europe with his athleticism, dynamism and creativity.

Ayyoub Bouaddi | Midfielder

Manchester City| Moroccan | 02/10/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 10/0

While many in France already knew what a talent the defensive midfielder is, the rest of the world took notice this summer, when Bouaddi made the World Cup seem like his playground. Calm on the ball with the technical ability to match, the Moroccan teenager will be hard to miss this season after Manchester City won the race for his services over the summer.

Nico Paz | Midfielder

Como | Argentinian | 08/09/2004

UCL all-time apps/goals: 4/1

A technically gifted, left-footed Argentinian who can scan the pitch in seconds, break through defensive lines, play laser-guided passes and wears the No10? Familiar though that sounds, Paz is unique. After making his Champions League debut with Real Madrid in 2023, he’s set to lead the way for Como in their debut campaign.  

Johan Manzambi | Midfielder

Aston Villa | Swiss | 14/10/2005

UCL all-time apps/goals: 0/0

Boasting exceptional technique and balance to go with his tremendous work rate, Manzambi shone in the Europa League last term. He was pivotal in Freiburg’s run to the final, earning UEFA's Revelation of the Season award, but after a club-record move this summer, he’ll be taking on the Champions League with victors Aston Villa this season.

Rodrigo Mora | Midfielder

Roma | Portuguese | 05/05/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

A former top scorer at the Under-17 EURO, Mora had already made 80 senior appearances for Porto before joining Roma over the summer. His low centre of gravity and ability to either release team-mates with quick combinations or show off his knack for scoring make him a potent danger. One to watch in his maiden Champions League adventure.

Rio Ngumoha | Forward

Liverpool | English | 29/08/2008

UCL all-time apps/goals: 5/0

It takes a special player indeed to make their Champions League debut at 17, and that’s exactly what Ngumoha is. The Liverpool starlet is a slippery, tricky customer out wide, with dazzling feet capable of leaving any defender in his wake. Don’t be fooled by his baby-faced appearance – this kid is lethal.

Yan Diomandé | Forward

Real Madrid | Ivorian | 14/11/2006

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

The Ivorian winger exploded onto the scene with Leipzig in 2025/26, and his eye-catching World Cup displays then convinced Real Madrid to make him their record signing. Diomande is an electrifying watch, sure to light up Europe with his athleticism, dynamism and creativity.

Ayyoub Bouaddi | Midfielder

Manchester City| Moroccan | 02/10/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 10/0

While many in France already knew what a talent the defensive midfielder is, the rest of the world took notice this summer, when Bouaddi made the World Cup seem like his playground. Calm on the ball with the technical ability to match, the Moroccan teenager will be hard to miss this season after Manchester City won the race for his services over the summer.

Nico Paz | Midfielder

Como | Argentinian | 08/09/2004

UCL all-time apps/goals: 4/1

A technically gifted, left-footed Argentinian who can scan the pitch in seconds, break through defensive lines, play laser-guided passes and wears the No10? Familiar though that sounds, Paz is unique. After making his Champions League debut with Real Madrid in 2023, he’s set to lead the way for Como in their debut campaign.  

Johan Manzambi | Midfielder

Aston Villa | Swiss | 14/10/2005

UCL all-time apps/goals: 0/0

Boasting exceptional technique and balance to go with his tremendous work rate, Manzambi shone in the Europa League last term. He was pivotal in Freiburg’s run to the final, earning UEFA's Revelation of the Season award, but after a club-record move this summer, he’ll be taking on the Champions League with victors Aston Villa this season.

Rodrigo Mora | Midfielder

Roma | Portuguese | 05/05/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

A former top scorer at the Under-17 EURO, Mora had already made 80 senior appearances for Porto before joining Roma over the summer. His low centre of gravity and ability to either release team-mates with quick combinations or show off his knack for scoring make him a potent danger. One to watch in his maiden Champions League adventure.

Rio Ngumoha | Forward

Liverpool | English | 29/08/2008

UCL all-time apps/goals: 5/0

It takes a special player indeed to make their Champions League debut at 17, and that’s exactly what Ngumoha is. The Liverpool starlet is a slippery, tricky customer out wide, with dazzling feet capable of leaving any defender in his wake. Don’t be fooled by his baby-faced appearance – this kid is lethal.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

Yan Diomandé | Forward

Real Madrid | Ivorian | 14/11/2006

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

The Ivorian winger exploded onto the scene with Leipzig in 2025/26, and his eye-catching World Cup displays then convinced Real Madrid to make him their record signing. Diomande is an electrifying watch, sure to light up Europe with his athleticism, dynamism and creativity.

Ayyoub Bouaddi | Midfielder

Manchester City| Moroccan | 02/10/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 10/0

While many in France already knew what a talent the defensive midfielder is, the rest of the world took notice this summer, when Bouaddi made the World Cup seem like his playground. Calm on the ball with the technical ability to match, the Moroccan teenager will be hard to miss this season after Manchester City won the race for his services over the summer.

Nico Paz | Midfielder

Como | Argentinian | 08/09/2004

UCL all-time apps/goals: 4/1

A technically gifted, left-footed Argentinian who can scan the pitch in seconds, break through defensive lines, play laser-guided passes and wears the No10? Familiar though that sounds, Paz is unique. After making his Champions League debut with Real Madrid in 2023, he’s set to lead the way for Como in their debut campaign.  

Johan Manzambi | Midfielder

Aston Villa | Swiss | 14/10/2005

UCL all-time apps/goals: 0/0

Boasting exceptional technique and balance to go with his tremendous work rate, Manzambi shone in the Europa League last term. He was pivotal in Freiburg’s run to the final, earning UEFA's Revelation of the Season award, but after a club-record move this summer, he’ll be taking on the Champions League with victors Aston Villa this season.

Rodrigo Mora | Midfielder

Roma | Portuguese | 05/05/2007

UCL all-time apps/goals: 1/0

A former top scorer at the Under-17 EURO, Mora had already made 80 senior appearances for Porto before joining Roma over the summer. His low centre of gravity and ability to either release team-mates with quick combinations or show off his knack for scoring make him a potent danger. One to watch in his maiden Champions League adventure.

Rio Ngumoha | Forward

Liverpool | English | 29/08/2008

UCL all-time apps/goals: 5/0

It takes a special player indeed to make their Champions League debut at 17, and that’s exactly what Ngumoha is. The Liverpool starlet is a slippery, tricky customer out wide, with dazzling feet capable of leaving any defender in his wake. Don’t be fooled by his baby-faced appearance – this kid is lethal.

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