Given Borussia Dortmund`s renowned history of developing young talent, there`s naturally significant interest in their emerging stars for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Here`s a look at five promising young players poised to seize their opportunity with Die Schwarzgelben.
Cole Campbell
Age: 19 (born 20 February 2006)
Position: Winger
Country: USA (11 youth caps, five goals)
Campbell is the most experienced player on this list, having already appeared six times for Dortmund`s senior team and 13 times in his professional career, which began surprisingly early at age 15 in Iceland. After joining Dortmund in 2022, his attacking prowess was evident, with 7 goals and 6 assists across U17 and U19 levels in 2022/23. His 2023/24 campaign with the U19s was even more productive, yielding 12 goals and 15 assists.
He debuted for the senior team as a late substitute against Augsburg. He made five more appearances in various competitions before a ligament injury in March ended his U19 season. Now recovered, the Club World Cup could be a key moment in his development.
Caption: Campbell has made six senior appearances for Dortmund ahead of the Club World Cup in his home country.
Filippo Mané
Age: 19 (born 8 March 2005)
Position: Centre-back/right-back
Country: Italy
Mané arrived at Dortmund from Sampdoria in January 2022, signing his first professional contract in January 2025. He quickly became a fixture in the U19 defense, helping them win the U19 Bundesliga title in 2021/22. Ahead of the 2023/24 season, his coach praised him as “Physically fantastic, quick and good in the air,” making him captain. He also has extensive youth international experience with Italy`s U17, U19, and U20 teams.
Injuries have unfortunately impacted his progress, causing him to miss a significant part of 2022/23, Italy`s U19 Euros win, and the latter half of the 2024/25 season.
However, healthy for the Club World Cup, Mané aims to continue the momentum from the start of last season, which included his professional debut for Dortmund II and being on the senior bench for a Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Caption: Mané during his professional debut for Dortmund II in the 3. Liga.
Elias Benkara
Age: 18 (born 29 April 2007)
Position: Centre-back
Country: Germany (three youth caps)
Joining Dortmund from Mainz in 2021, Benkara has steadily advanced through the youth ranks, establishing himself as a promising defensive talent. His inclusion in the Club World Cup squad is likely due to a need for depth, but it`s also a deserved opportunity based on his development.
He first played for the U17s at just 14. By 2023/24, he was a regular in the U17 team that won the Bundesliga title for their age group and also featured twice in the UEFA Youth League for the U19s.
Last season marked further progress, with Benkara appearing on the bench for both Dortmund II in the 3. Liga and the senior team in a Champions League match against Barcelona. His international future is contested, with both Germany and Algeria (his father`s country) vying for his commitment. A strong performance this summer would likely intensify this situation.
Caption: Benkara could make his senior team debut in the USA after progressing through Dortmund`s academy.
Samuele Inacio
Age: 17 (born 2 April 2008)
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country: Italy (28 youth caps, 17 goals)
A product of the Atalanta academy and son of former Brazilian footballer Piá, Inacio was highly sought after by top European clubs before choosing Dortmund. His talent is undeniable.
While versatile across the front line, he excels as a No. 10, citing Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar as inspirations. Last season, he played 31 times for the Dortmund U19s, scoring two goals and providing six assists.
Inacio has truly thrived for Italy`s youth teams, netting 17 goals in 28 appearances across U15, U16, and U17 levels. Most recently, he was the top scorer at the U17 European Championships in May 2025 with five goals in four games, before Italy`s semi-final exit. Fresh off this impressive tournament, he will be eager to make an impact at the Club World Cup.
Caption: Inacio was the top scorer at the U17 European Championships in May 2025.
Mathis Albert
Age: 16 (born 21 May 2009)
Position: Winger
Country: USA (eight youth caps, five goals)
While Youssoufa Moukoko`s record as Dortmund`s youngest player seems safe, Albert would become the second youngest if he features in the USA this summer. This appearance would be particularly special given he represents the U.S. national team at youth level.
Dortmund clearly recognizes his significant talent and potential immediate impact. In 2024/25, he quickly outgrew U17 football, scoring three and assisting twice in seven matches. He was promoted to the U19s, where he continued to impress with six goals and four assists in 19 appearances, including a UEFA Youth League goal.
His international record for the USA is also strong, with five goals in eight games. Notably, he played senior football at just 14, appearing for LA Galaxy`s second team in a friendly. His talent is well-known among experts, and the Club World Cup presents a prime opportunity to introduce him to a wider audience.
Caption: Albert has been playing above his age group, experiencing senior football at 14.
