Many Mexican fans know the talent of 19-year-old Pachuca midfielder Elias Montiel. He has become the focal point of the Pachuca midfield and is regarded as one of the best players in the league.
Montiel is seen ready to play and start for the Mexican national team and to play in Europe. He made a name for himself during the FIFA Club World Cup despite a poor campaign from Pachuca, who didn't win a game and finished last in their group that involved Real Madrid, Al Hilal, and RB Salzburg.
Montiel performances continue to impress Mexican fans and has now caught the eye of a affiliate of FIFA. The CIES (International Centre for Sports Studies), who are an independent research and education center, announced the top ten football teenagers in the world which includes players like Lamine Yamal and Franco Mastantuono.
Elias Montiel has been included in the list and made the top ten. The list is based on ratings, and Montiel's performances with Pachuca led to him being included in the top ten performing teenagers in world football.
Top 🔟 outfield teenagers in 2025 as per @CIES_Football ratings 📊 powered by @impect_official ✨
— CIES Football Obs (@CIES_Football) August 27, 2025
🥇 #LamineYamal 🇪🇸 97.7
🥈 #PauCubarsi 🇪🇸 93.4
🥉 #WarrenZaireEmery 🇫🇷 87.8
Top 2⃣0⃣0⃣ 🗺️ & methodology 👉 https://t.co/QlFWybL74Q pic.twitter.com/ISDZPBjOAS
Montiel is the only player in the top ten who does not play in Europe. Estêvão Willian and Franco Mastantuono currently play in Europe but are on the list for their performances in South America, with Palmeiras and River Plate, respectively.
Lamine Yamal is top of the list, which makes sense as he is considered one of the best players in the world. Yamal is also considered a candidate to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
Elias Montiel Above Other European Talents
Montiel was also included in a list of players who don't play in the top five European leagues. Montiel was third in the ranking, above other European talents.
Top 🔟 non-big-5 outfield teenagers in 2025 as per @CIES_Football ratings powered by @impect_official ✨
— CIES Football Obs (@CIES_Football) August 27, 2025
🥇 #RogerFernandes 🇵🇹 83.9
🥈 #GeovanyQuenda 🇵🇹 83.8
🥉 #EliasMontiel 🇲🇽 83.2
Top 2⃣0⃣0⃣ 🗺️ & methodology 👉 https://t.co/QlFWybL74Q pic.twitter.com/2XO9ckUYq3
Among the most notable names in the list is Rodrigo Mora, who is considered the next big Portuguese talent. Mora is one of the star players at FC Porto and is linked to a move away, with a surprising interest from Saudi Arabia.
With this new recognition, Montiel is expected to gain more attention from European clubs. Montiel could also soon be considered a serious candidate to earn call ups for the Mexican national team and earn a spot in the roster for the World Cup.
Do you see Elias Montiel joining a European team before the 2026 World Cup? Let us know!
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