Young Soccer Stars Who Surpassed Expectations

Every year, EA Sports predicts the next big names in soccer. Some players, like Neymar, Thibaut Courtois, and Raheem Sterling, went even further than predicted. Let's see how they and other wonderkids exceeded expectations. Gianluigi Donnarumma, for instance, was a goalkeeping prodigy. At just 16, he debuted for AC Milan, breaking records. Despite some ups and downs, he reached a 90 rating, surpassing his predicted 89. Philippe Coutinho, another star, started his journey at Inter Milan. After moving to Liverpool, he became a fan favorite, with his potential rising from 87 to 88.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, at 20, was already impressing at Borussia Mönchengladbach. His move to Barcelona boosted his rating to 90, beating his predicted 89. Eden Hazard, tipped for a 90 rating, reached 91 during his time at Chelsea and Real Madrid. Thiago Alcantara, initially given an 86 potential, climbed to 88 after moving to Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Toni Kroos, a central midfielder, was projected to reach 88 but hit 90 after joining Real Madrid. Raheem Sterling's potential of 86 grew to 89 during his time at Manchester City. Thibaut Courtois, despite a chaotic career, reached 90, three points higher than his predicted 87. Neymar, the top wonderkid, soared from a predicted 88 to 92, forming a legendary attack line at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

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