The world of sports is always evolving, with new talent emerging each year to challenge established stars and push the boundaries of athletic performance. As we look ahead to 2025, there are several athletes poised to make a huge impact across various sports. Whether they’re making waves in international competitions, setting records, or rising through the ranks with exceptional potential, these breakthrough athletes are the ones to watch in the coming year.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 athletes who are primed to capture the spotlight and shape the future of sports in 2025.
1. Emma Raducanu (Tennis)
Why Watch Her: After her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open, Emma Raducanu has quickly become one of the most exciting players on the tennis circuit. Despite being a young talent, her poise under pressure and remarkable consistency have made her a rising star. Heading into 2025, Raducanu is expected to further establish herself as a top competitor, with the potential to win multiple Grand Slam titles. Keep an eye on her as she continues to build her career and take on the sport’s biggest names.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Continued Grand Slam success and top-10 rankings.
- Potential dominance on grass and hardcourt surfaces.
2. Victor Wembanyama (Basketball)
Why Watch Him: At 7’4”, Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent in basketball, with a skill set that includes elite shot-blocking, scoring ability, and incredible agility for his size. Drafted as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama is already turning heads in the NBA. He possesses the kind of potential that could reshape the league in the coming years.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Wembanyama could be challenging for Rookie of the Year honors and quickly becoming one of the league’s best players.
- Expect him to lead the Spurs into playoff contention and possibly earn All-Star status.
3. Coco Gauff (Tennis)
Why Watch Her: Already one of the youngest tennis stars in the world, Coco Gauff has steadily made a name for herself on the WTA Tour. Her impressive performances at major tournaments and growing mental toughness suggest that she’s ready to claim her place at the top of the women’s game. As we move into 2025, Gauff’s powerful game and fierce determination will likely make her a consistent contender at Grand Slam events.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Potential to win her first Grand Slam singles title.
- Strong competition at the top of the rankings alongside other tennis elites like Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka.
4. Jalen Green (Basketball)
Why Watch Him: After being selected as the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Jalen Green has shown immense potential with the Houston Rockets. A dynamic scorer and explosive athlete, Green’s combination of speed, scoring, and basketball IQ has made him one of the brightest young talents in the NBA. By 2025, Green is expected to emerge as one of the league’s most electrifying players, with a solid chance at making his first All-Star appearance.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Continued offensive growth and leadership of the Rockets’ young core.
- Possible breakout season as a scoring leader in the league.
5. Gavi (Football/Soccer)
Why Watch Him: At just 19 years old, Gavi is already a key player for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Known for his incredible vision, passing accuracy, and relentless work ethic, Gavi’s versatility makes him a standout in the midfield. As he gains more experience on the international stage, he’s expected to become one of the best midfielders in the world by 2025.
What to Expect in 2025:
- A major role in both Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns.
- Significant impact on Spain’s international competitions, such as the UEFA European Championship.
6. Khamzat Chimaev (MMA)
Why Watch Him: Khamzat Chimaev has been a rising star in the UFC due to his dominant fighting style, unbeaten record, and ability to finish opponents quickly. As a fearsome wrestler with knockout power, Chimaev has the tools to take on the best fighters in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His aggressive approach and unyielding drive suggest he’ll be fighting for a title in 2025.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Chimaev could be a potential challenger for the UFC welterweight title.
- Expect his rise to the top to continue as he faces top-ranked opponents in the coming year.
7. Hayley Jones (Basketball)
Why Watch Her: An elite prospect in women’s basketball, Hayley Jones has already made a name for herself as a standout player for Stanford University. Known for her versatility, basketball IQ, and leadership skills, Jones is expected to be a top pick in the WNBA draft. As she transitions to the professional ranks, she will be one of the athletes to watch in 2025, with the potential to shape the future of women’s basketball.
What to Expect in 2025:
- A possible Rookie of the Year performance in the WNBA.
- Significant contributions to her team and continued growth in all aspects of the game.
8. Florence Ovejero (Athletics)
Why Watch Her: In track and field, Florence Ovejero has been making waves as one of the most promising sprinters to emerge in recent years. Specializing in the 100m and 200m, Ovejero’s speed and agility have made her one of the most exciting young athletes in global athletics. By 2025, she could be a medal contender at the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Breakthrough performances on the international stage.
- Possible Olympic or World Championship podium finishes in sprinting events.
9. Luka Dončić (Basketball)
Why Watch Him: While Luka Dončić has already established himself as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, 2025 is poised to be a year where he further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in the game. With his exceptional vision, scoring ability, and basketball IQ, Dončić is expected to dominate for years to come, and 2025 could be the year he leads the Dallas Mavericks to a championship.
What to Expect in 2025:
- An MVP-caliber season and potential NBA Finals appearance.
- Continued evolution as a leader and elite player in the NBA.
10. Alisha Lehmann (Football/Soccer)
Why Watch Her: Alisha Lehmann has already made a name for herself as one of the most talented and charismatic players in women’s soccer. As a forward for Aston Villa and the Swiss national team, Lehmann’s flair, creativity, and goal-scoring abilities have captured the attention of fans worldwide. As women’s soccer continues to grow, expect Lehmann to be a standout star in 2025.
What to Expect in 2025:
- Significant contributions to Aston Villa’s success in domestic and international tournaments.
- A major role in Switzerland’s campaign in international competitions like the UEFA Women’s Euro.
Conclusion: The Future of Sports in 2025
These athletes are not only rising stars but also future legends in the making. As 2025 approaches, they are poised to make huge strides in their respective sports, with many on the verge of breaking records, winning titles, and reshaping the way we think about sports. Keep an eye on these top 10 breakthrough athletes—they are the ones to watch as they define the future of athletics and bring fresh energy to the global stage.
