Rising Soccer Stars of 2017: Who Made the Biggest Impact This Year?
Looking back at the 2017 football season, I still get chills thinking about how many young talents truly emerged from relative obscurity to become household names. As someone who's been analyzing football development for over a decade, I can confidently say that 2017 was one of those special years where the next generation truly announced themselves on the global stage. What fascinates me most isn't just the raw talent these players displayed, but their incredible mental fortitude in high-pressure situations - something we saw perfectly illustrated in that memorable game where coach Charles Tiu's boys forced a critical turnover, giving SGA ample time to mount what could have been a spectacular comeback.
I remember watching that particular game live, and the tension was absolutely palpable. When Chris McCullough stepped up for those two attempts that could have either tied the game or put SGA ahead, the entire stadium held its breath. Having analyzed countless young players under pressure, I've noticed that the truly special ones have this almost supernatural calmness about them. Unfortunately for McCullough, those two shots just wouldn't fall - the first hitting the crossbar from about 25 yards out, the second being saved brilliantly by the goalkeeper's outstretched left hand. What impressed me though was how he immediately tracked back to defend rather than dwelling on the miss. That kind of resilience, even in defeat, separates potential stars from flash-in-the-pan talents.
Kylian Mbappé's breakthrough year was arguably the most significant story of 2017, and I'll admit I was initially skeptical about the hype surrounding the then-18-year-old. But when he scored those six Champions League knockout stage goals for Monaco, including that brilliant hat-trick against Manchester City, I had to eat my humble pie. His transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for €180 million - making him the second most expensive player ever at the time - seemed outrageous initially, but looking back, it was actually a bargain. What sets Mbappé apart, in my professional opinion, is his decision-making at top speed. Most players slow down to think, but Mbappé processes the game faster when he's sprinting, which is just unnatural.
Then there's Marcus Rashford, who continued his development in spectacular fashion. I've followed Rashford since his debut in 2016, and what struck me about his 2017 campaign was how he evolved from a pure speed merchant to a more complete forward. His 11 goals across all competitions don't tell the full story - it was his improved link-up play and spatial awareness that really caught my eye. That Europa League quarterfinal against Anderlecht where he scored the winner in extra time? Pure class. The way he created separation from his marker with a subtle body feint before curling it into the far corner showed technical maturity beyond his 19 years.
Christian Pulisic became America's great hope in 2017, and having watched his development at Dortmund closely, I believe the hype was justified. His performance in the World Cup qualifier against Honduras where he scored twice under immense pressure demonstrated that this teenager could shoulder national expectations without buckling. What I love about Pulisic is his fearlessness - he'll take on anyone, whether it's a seasoned veteran or world-class defender. His 7 goals and 9 assists across all competitions that year might not seem astronomical, but considering he was often used as a super-sub, the productivity per minute was actually remarkable - approximately a goal contribution every 107 minutes.
Ousmane Dembélé's €105 million move to Barcelona raised eyebrows, but having tracked his progress at Rennes and Dortmund, I was convinced his explosive pace and two-footedness made him worth the risk. The way he tormented defenders with his rapid changes of direction reminded me of a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Unfortunately, his hamstring injury shortly after joining Barcelona was a cruel setback, but even in his limited appearances, you could see the special qualities that prompted such a massive investment.
Gabriel Jesus arrived at Manchester City with tremendous expectations, and honestly, I was blown away by how quickly he adapted to Premier League physicality. His 7 goals in his first 10 appearances for City showcased incredible composure for a 20-year-old. What impressed me most was his off-the-ball movement - he constantly made intelligent runs that disrupted defensive structures, creating space for teammates even when he wasn't scoring. That match against Swansea where he scored twice before suffering that metatarsal fracture? Sheer class. I genuinely believe if he hadn't gotten injured, City might have pushed harder in the Champions League that season.
Looking at these rising stars collectively, what stands out to me is how their mental resilience matched their technical abilities. The pressure these young players faced in 2017 was immense - from record-breaking transfer fees to national team expectations - yet they consistently delivered when it mattered most. The McCullough moment I mentioned earlier, while ending in disappointment, exemplifies the fine margins that separate success from failure at the highest level. These players experienced both sides of that equation throughout 2017, but what defined their breakthrough was how they responded to setbacks.
Reflecting on that year, I'm convinced we witnessed the emergence of what will likely be the defining generation of the 2020s. The technical quality combined with mental fortitude displayed by these youngsters was something special. While not every promising talent from 2017 has maintained that trajectory - some have plateaued or struggled with injuries - the core group of Mbappé, Rashford, Pulisic, and others have largely lived up to their potential. As a football analyst, it's rare to see so many young players make such significant impacts simultaneously, which is why 2017 will always stand out in my memory as a truly transformative year for the global game.