2025-26 RSL: Young Players to Watch | OneFootball

As the new Roshn Saudi League approaches – it’s Big Kick-Off Week! – excitement is building. Without doubt, part of that is because of the amount of young talent set to light up the top division this year.

Clubs are increasingly looking to youth for their recruitment needs and, with only five days until the 2025-26 RSL gets under way, we highlight some of the most eye-catching names to look out for this season.

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Musab Al Juwayr - Al Qadsiah (22)

How could we not start with arguably the most exhilarating Saudi player of his generation?

Having spent the past two seasons on loan at Al Shabab from Al Hilal, Al Juwayr made the permanent switch to Al Qadsiah this summer on the back of being named the 2024-25 RSL’s Best Young Player (that was preceded by a clean sweep of the monthly awards).

On the back of five goals and 10 assists, the prospect of the highly intelligent midfielder linking up with Al Qadsiah’s star-studded attack is an incredibly mouth-watering one.

2024-25 RSL Young Player of Year Musab Al Juwayr in action for Al Qadsiah during pre-season

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Mohau Nkota - Al Ettifaq (20)

One of South Africa’s most promising talents, Nkota was a surprise signing for Al Ettifaq this off-season - but one with enormous potential after his breakout campaign for Orlando Pirates.

The 20-year-old finished last term’s South African top flight with three goals and three assists, while he also scored four goals in nine games in the CAF Champions League. All added up, it’s form that saw Nkota called up to the South African national team.

And, given Al Ettifaq manager Saad Al Shehri’s track record with developing precocious stars, for Nkota, the 2025-26 campaign could be another bright one indeed.

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Unai Hernandez - Al Ittihad (20)

To best get an understanding of the potential of this 20-year-old Spaniard, consider how disappointed those at Barcelona were to lose him at the beginning of the year.

At the time, there were reports emerging from Spain of internal unrest at the Camp Nou because they hadn’t secured the captain of their B side to a longer-term deal.

Therefore, for Al Ittihad to prise him from one of the biggest clubs in the world represented an astute piece of business.

Now, with eight months to settle into his new surrounds in Jeddah - and an RSL winner’s medal already - expect this season to be one in which Hernandez plays an increasingly influential role for Laurent Blanc’s champions.

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Saimon Bouabre - NEOM SC (19)

NEOM SC have certainly been busy in the French transfer market this summer, with one of their best pieces of activity being securing highly rated French youth international Bouabre from AS Monaco.

Remember, this is a club renowned for youth development, with the likes of Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe passing through their doors early on.

Still only 19, Bouabre played a key role in France making the final of the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup - he even scored in the final - and last year's UEFA U19 Championships, where he struck twice in the group stage.

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Abdulmalik Al Jaber - Al Nassr (21)

Fans of the RSL will finally get their best look at one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising talents this season after Al Jaber signed for Al Nassr.

The prodigious midfielder has spent the past few seasons in Europe, developing his game in Bosnia with FK Zeljeznicar Sarajevo, where he played 48 games and scored four goals in his two campaigns there.

Predictably, Al Jaber was understood to be highly sought-after across the Saudi top tier during the off-season. However, it was Al Nassr who secured his services and, while injury will delay his start to the 2025-26 RSL, there is still plenty of anticipation for Al Jaber’s eventual debut when it comes.

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Faisal Al Subiani - Al Shabab (22)

Having been on the books of Al Ahli for the past few seasons, Al Subiani finally got his opportunity for more regular game-time last term while on loan at Damac.

Taking time to establish himself in the first half of the campaign, the midfielder was soon entrusted by both Nuno Almeida and Khaled Al Atwi from the winter break on, playing an important role in Damac’s ultimate survival (they finished 14th, with Al Subiani featuring 26 times).

Now the youngster gets another fresh start, this time at Al Shabab alongside renowned Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil having recently made the switch to Riyadh.

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Renne Rivas - Al Taawoun (22)

The young Venezuelan left-back was a standout for Al Taawoun last time out, in what was his first season outside his homeland. He played 24 times in the RSL as the Buraidah club secured another top-eight finish.

In fact, Rivas arrived last year already capped by his national team, and at Al Taawoun was also integral in helping his side make it through to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two.

With Pericles Chamusca returning to Al Taawoun – the Brazilian guided NEOM SC to promotion last season – expect even more from Rivas in the RSL, as the club look to keep momentum going after an impressive past two years.

Al Taawoun's Renne Rivas scores v Al Shabab

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Marcos Leonardo - Al Hilal (22)

It’s hard to believe the Brazilian is still only 22 after all he has achieved since arriving from Benfica 12 months ago.

Landing at the then-RSL champions, Leonardo made an instant impact in the league, often deputising superbly up front for the injured Aleksandar Mitrovic. In the end, he concluded the campaign with a remarkable 17 goals from 24 RSL games.

But it was at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup that Leonardo’s star shone brightest, with an unforgettable brace against Manchester City in the Round of 16 earning Al Hilal one of their most memorable victories - and etching his name into Saudi football folklore.

Getting back to domestic matters, Al Hilal will for sure be gunning for the RSL title they relinquished to Al Ittihad last season. For that, lethal Leonardo should prove pivotal.