The sports world is a constantly changing place, and each year, a new crop of talent is willing to disrupt the status quo. The upcoming season in 2025 is going to become pivotal in the careers of several young, aggressive athletes who are soon to become the storm in each of their sports. In the world of football to athletics, basketball to tennis, these five on the cusp stars have displayed snatches of big-time glories- and 2025 could be the year that young talents explosively take off to the world.
Welcome to the Top 5 Breakout Athletes to Watch in 2025, an exceptional group of athletes to come and whose talent is already attracting the eyes of scouts and the imaginations of fans.
In the world of sports, every year brings a fresh wave of talent ready to challenge the status quo. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for a handful of young, hungry athletes who are poised to take their respective sports by storm. From football to athletics, and basketball to tennis, these five breakout stars have shown glimpses of greatness and 2025 could be the year they fully explode onto the global stage.
Here are the Top 5 Breakout Athletes to Watch in 2025, an elite list of rising stars who are already catching scouts’ attention and fans’ imagination.
1. Endrick Felipe (Football, Brazil)
Age: 18
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Position: Forward
Brazil has always been a factory of flair, and Endrick is its latest export. Touted as the next big thing out of South America, Endrick’s transfer to Real Madrid has already made headlines. But 2025 could be the year he truly stamps his authority in La Liga and possibly on the international stage.
Having dominated at Palmeiras and now adapting rapidly in Europe, Endrick combines explosive pace, intelligent positioning, and clinical finishing. With veterans like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo guiding him, he could be Real Madrid’s secret weapon during a crucial rebuilding phase.
2025 could be his first full season as a starter, and with Madrid competing on multiple fronts, Endrick has both the platform and pressure to shine.
2. JuJu Watkins (Basketball, USA)
Age: 19
Team: USC Trojans / WNBA Draft Prospect
Position: Guard
JuJu Watkins isn’t just playing basketball—she’s rewriting the script on how dominant a freshman can be. Averaging over 25 points per game in her debut NCAA season, Watkins has drawn comparisons to legends like Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore.
Her poise, perimeter shooting, and leadership already have WNBA scouts salivating. Watkins has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone and the face of women’s basketball in the U.S.
With the 2025 WNBA Draft on the horizon, expect her stock to skyrocket and her brand to go mainstream.
3. Malachi Nelson (American Football, USA)
Age: 20
College: USC Trojans
Position: Quarterback
Following in the footsteps of Caleb Williams is no easy feat, but Malachi Nelson is built for pressure. One of the top-rated quarterbacks in his recruiting class, Nelson has elite arm talent, pocket awareness, and charisma.
He spent the 2024 season learning and sharpening his game, and 2025 looks like the year he’ll finally take over the reins at USC. With a strong offensive line and skill players around him, Nelson could launch himself into Heisman Trophy conversations and NFL Draft projections.
His dual-threat ability and natural football IQ make him a highlight-reel machine waiting to explode on Saturdays.
4. Faith Cherotich (Track & Field, Kenya)
Age: 20
Discipline: 3000m Steeplechase
Achievements: World Athletics U20 Champion, Bronze Medalist at World Championships 2023
Faith Cherotich is already one of the most exciting young talents in distance running. With a background in cross-country and steeplechase, she has a natural endurance engine and a racing mentality that thrives under pressure. After grabbing a surprise bronze at the 2023 World Championships, she’s entering 2025 with real momentum.
Her technique over barriers, strong finishing kick, and mental toughness make her a strong contender for more medals at the upcoming World Championships and possibly Paris 2026.
Cherotich is evolving into a well-rounded athlete, and 2025 could be the year she not only breaks records but dominates podiums.
5. Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis, Spain)
Age: 22
ATP Ranking: Top 5
Titles: 2 Grand Slams, 10+ ATP Titles
It might feel odd calling Carlos Alcaraz a “breakout” star when he’s already a Grand Slam winner, but 2025 could be the year he truly takes the throne from Djokovic and Nadal, not just beat them.
Injuries and inconsistency slightly slowed him down in 2024, but Alcaraz is entering 2025 in peak physical shape with a more versatile game and a hunger to dominate. With Federer retired and Nadal possibly in his final season, the spotlight is now fully on Carlos to usher in a new era.
2025 could be the year Alcaraz wins multiple Grand Slams and finishes World No. 1, cementing his legacy as the face of modern men’s tennis.
Also Read: Top 5 Fastest Smashes in Badminton of All Time
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
