Kendry Páez and Ian Subiabre Among World’s Top Prospects, per GOAL’s NxGN 2026 Ranking

London-based magazine GOAL has released its annual NxGN 2026 list, identifying the 50 most exciting teenagers in global football, and Argentine powerhouse Club Atlético River Plate can claim two of the coveted spots. Ecuadorian attacking midfielder Kendry Páez, whose registration is held by Chelsea, checks in at No. 17, while 19-year-old River Plate winger Ian Subiabre is ranked 36th.

Páez, 18, moved to River Plate after a brief stint in France, seeking regular minutes ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Under head coach Eduardo Coudet, the left-footed playmaker has quickly become a fixture in the starting lineup, dazzling with his vision and close control even as he manages a recent knee complaint.

Subiabre, meanwhile, has attracted admiring glances from Premier League heavyweights after a breakout stretch that has seen him combine goals and assists from the flank. The Buenos Aires native has cemented his place in the Millonario first team and now earns validation on the international stage.

The NxGN 2026 ranking is topped by Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, while former River Plate academy graduate Franco Mastantuono—now on Real Madrid’s books—claims an eye-catching fourth position.

River Plate’s dual representation underscores the club’s reputation as a prolific talent factory, with Páez and Subiabre poised to follow in the footsteps of Mastantuono and other illustrious alumni.