Power, Precision, and Pace: Meet The Teenage Athletes Changing the Game

With a boom in the uptake in sports in recent years, it is no surprise that players in professional leagues have gotten younger. Giving opportunities to teenage athletes to showcase their performances and offer new perspectives to the team is so valuable in making sports more diverse and fast paced. This article will dive into a list of just a few of the incredible teen athletes who are changing the game!

(Image credit to the NHL)

Matthew Schaefer - 18 years old

Matthew Schaefer was the number one overall NHL draft pick in the 2025 draft, selected by the New York Islanders. Schaefer was just the fifth defenseman picked number one overall in the NHL draft since 2000. He instantly had an impact on the Islanders from his debut. In only his second career game (October 11, 2025), Schaefer scored a third-period goal against the Washington Capitals. His undeniable skill as an offensive defenseman has made him a huge name in the NHL. 

Macklin Celebrini - 19 years old

If you have watched an NHL game in the last two seasons, you will have no doubt heard of Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini is making drastic changes to the league that nobody could’ve predicted. He has broken records set by the all-time great Sidney Crosby, and is well on his way to even records of some of the best players the sport has ever seen. Celebrini was drafted number one overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2024 when he was just 18. He is currently sitting on a whopping 24 goals, 48 assists and 72 points in just 47 games. The once-struggling Sharks now have a very good playoff chance thanks to the changes implemented to better adapt to Celebrini. He has also been called up to Team Canada for the Winter Olympics which is an amazing honour and a true testament to his incredible skill, especially for someone so young. 

Beckett Sennecke - 19 years old

As the third overall draft pick in the 2024 draft by the Anaheim Ducks, Sennecke has shown his skill and on-ice impact through offensive plays and 23 assists in the 2025-26 season alone. He has racked up 38 points in total and has been a solid starting player for the Ducks across his second season in the NHL. He has most definitely found his place within the team, and that much is evident through the playstyle of the entire team and how they have adapted and incorporated Sennecke and his signature style of play.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 19 years old

The Arsenal left-back who has been playing for the club since he was 8 years old is no stranger to making a big impact. Lewis-Skelly has a talent that can’t fully be described in words alone; his ability to move quickly around the ball and across the pitch, and his drive to capitalise on goal opportunities has helped Arsenal get to where they are now. Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has praised Lewis-Skelly, saying “it’s like he was made in a lab” after a 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town. Lewis-Skelly has also played games for the senior England team and is more than likely to make an appearance in the 2026 World Cup.

Max Dowman - 16 years old

By far the youngest player on the list, Dowman has played 2 games in the Premier League and has even made a Champions League debut, all at the age of 15. His speed on the pitch has led to many opportunities for Arsenal, however club manager Mikel Arteta has been cautious of injury and burnout potential from playing a young player too often, making sure that Dowman has time for school and to develop further in the youth league. With that being said, there is no doubt that he will be back in the big leagues soon enough and football fans can all agree that watching him grow and improve as a player has been a true pleasure.

Archie Gray - 19 years old

The Tottenham midfielder/defender made his debut at just 17 years old against Leeds United, showcasing his talent and ability to manipulate the ball around the pitch to his team’s advantage. In the 2025-26 season, Gray has played 12 Premier League games, 4 Champions League games and 11 Europa League games. He scored his first Premier League goal this season and has proved his talent time and time again, by defending hard against opposition teams and keeping possession of the ball even under pressure.

Pau Cubarsí - 18 years old

Barcelona Football Club has become known for their young talents and the transferable skills that players develop from La Masia to La Liga levels. Midfielder Pau Cubarsí has gone from a La Masia youth to a star player for not only the Barcelona team, but also the Spanish team, winning a gold medal at the Olympics at only 17 years old! The 2024-25 season was when Cubarsí’s talent truly had its moment to shine; his defensive partnership with Inigo Martinez prevented goal after goal from opposing teams, allowing attackers to win games for the team. No doubt, Cubarsí will play a role in Spain’s World Cup run and will create a lasting impact on the team. 

Marc Bernal - 18 years old

Bernal was an up-and-coming player on the La Liga scene when he was struck by an ACL injury, putting him out for 10 months. Since his return, he has slowly assimilated back into the football lifestyle, playing in 7 La Liga matches and 2 Champions League games. The defensive midfielder has attracted interest from many clubs, with rumours flying about potential loans and transfers over the January period, however, he has been confirmed to stay at Barcelona, for now anyway. 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli - 19 years old

Bologna-born and raised racing driver, Kimi Antonelli, made headlines after being selected by Mercedes F1 team to fill the vacant position left by Lewis Hamilton when he moved to Ferrari. During his debut season, he faced heavy criticism and pressure from fans, but he took it all in his stride. After pulling off a 2nd place in Brazil, as well as getting podiums in both Las Vegas and Canada, he proved himself as an incredible asset for the team and has remained a Mercedes driver for the 2026 season. It’ll be interesting to see how his partnership with George Russell develops this season and how his driving will adapt to the new regulations. 

Arvid Lindblad - 18 years old

Lindblad has been selected as a Racing Bulls driver for the 2026 season, racing alongside New Zealand driver Liam Lawson. During his Formula 2 career, he became the youngest F2 race winner in history, after winning from 5th place in Jeddah. His ability to remain level-headed in stressful situations and manage his car with precision will prove vital in his F1 career - it will be a joy to watch Lindblad develop over the coming season!

Article written by Milla Sinfield