These Teen Titans Are 2024’s Rising Sports Stars

Next-Gen Rising Stars in Sports: Teenagers to Watch

The sports world is witnessing an unprecedented rise of teenage talent across multiple disciplines. These young athletes are not just participating — they’re breaking records, setting new benchmarks, and reshaping the future of sports. Here’s a look at some of the most promising rising stars.

Basketball: Cooper Flagg (USA)

• Age: 17
• Projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
• Reigning Naismith and Gatorade Player of the Year
• Only non-NBA player invited to join the USA Select Team for pre-Olympic training

Football: Lamine Yamal (Spain)

• Age: 17
• Plays for FC Barcelona
• Made his debut at 15 years and nine months, becoming the youngest player to debut for Barcelona's first team
• Became the youngest goalscorer in Euro 2024 history
• Named Best Young Player of Euro 2024 a day after his 17th birthday

Baseball: Ethan Salas (USA)

• Age: 18
• Plays for San Diego Padres
• Signed a record $5.6 million deal
• Participated in the MLB Futures Game
• Caught for five-time All-Star Yu Darvish during a rehab start

Track & Field: Quincy Wilson (USA)

• Age: 16
• Broke the U-18 400-meter record twice at the Olympic trials
• Became the youngest male track and field Olympic gold medalist by competing in the men’s 4x400 relay preliminary heat

Cross Country: Addy Ritzenhein (USA)

• Age: 16
• Won the Nike Cross Nationals title as a sophomore
• Named Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year
• Signed On’s first NIL high school deal

Soccer: Jaedyn Shaw (USA)

• Age: 19
• Plays for San Diego Wave (NWSL)
• Made her senior national team debut at 18
• Scored seven goals in 16 caps
• Youngest player on the USWNT’s Olympic roster

Football: Chris Henry Jr. (USA)

• Age: 17
• Committed to Ohio State as the top wide receiver of the 2026 class
• Trains with former NFL players T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Pacman Jones

Hockey: Macklin Celebrini (Canada)

• Age: 18
• Scored 32 goals in his freshman season at Boston University
• Won the Hobey Baker Award
• Drafted No. 1 by the San Jose Sharks

Conclusion

These teenage athletes are defining the next generation of sports. Through talent, dedication, and relentless work ethic, they’re not only achieving extraordinary milestones but also inspiring future athletes worldwide. The coming years will be exciting as these rising stars continue to grow, break records, and leave a lasting mark on their respective sports.