Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, while in recent years it has been Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, who have been universally hailed as the best around.

But the big question in the mind of every soccer loving fan remains, who amongst the younger generation will take up this mantle? If you ask any Brazilian today, the name of Neymar instantly arises, while European fans will offer the examples of Mario Gotze, Isco and Eden Hazard as potential greats while in Africa we have the likes of Nigerian wonderkid Kelechi Iheanacho.
Nothing however is set in stone. It takes true brilliance, and no shortage of hard work, to reach a level where you are acknowledged as a defining force of your time.
Without much ado, let's take a look at 10 young players who could potentially be iconic figures in world football over the decade to come.

10. M'Baye Niang (AC Milan)
The 19 year old has shown glimpses of his quality and his potential numerous times in 2013. Niang was impressive throughout the year playing on the right side and linked up well with Balotelli. He became the second youngest goal scorer in Milan history when he came on to score in the 70th minute against Reggina. The young Frenchman is a versatile forward who can play as a striker, out on the wings and as an attacking midfielder.


9. Ross Barkley (Everton)
Ross Barkley has stunned everyone this season including former Everton manager David Moyes who did not always give him a chance when he was the manager. The young Englishman is the engine of Everon's midfield. He can bomb forward from the midfield, take on players, score from free kicks as well as contributing defensively. Such is his performance that he has been compared to a young Steven Gerrard. Even if he is half the player that Gerrard was at his age, its safe to say that he's a potential superstar in the making.


8. Suso (Liverpool/Almeria)
Suso, one of Liverpool's academy products hasn't had a proper opportunity to shine in the Premier League yet but he did show glimpses of his ability whenever he was given an opportunity. However, Liverpool sent him on a year long loan to Almeria in the summer and the 20 year old has lit up La Liga. He is an attacking midfielder and is known for his accurate key passes, through balls, balance and technical ability. He has scored twice for the Spanish outfit and assisted five. He has picked up the MOTM award twice. At one point he had the third most assists in the League. He has all the potential to be a superstar.


7. Juan Quintero (Porto)
Juan Quintero is a 20 year old Colombian attacking midfielder who plays for Porto. The youngster was a star in U20s World Cup for Colombia, scoring some great goals as well as assisting his teammates. He has great technical ability and attacking ability as well as great vision. Porto is known to get amazing talent on cheap and making them into superstars. This guy could just be their next product.


6. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United
After Wayne Rooney, 18 year old Belgian, Adnan Januzaj has been Manchester United's best player this season. He has established himself as a first team regular. He produced a match winning performance against Sunderland which became a highlight of his season and since then he has scored and assisted number of times. He has a total of 3 goals, 4 assists so far and is forming a great partnership with Rooney. If developed well, he'll go on to be a real world class player.


5. Jese Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
The 20 year old Real Madrid youngster's talent is well known in Spain. He was the star player for Spain in U20 World Cup. He is fortunate and at the same time unfortunate to be behind the likes of Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema in pecking – order but the youngster has taken his opportunities to show his potential every time. He has scored two and assisted another two in 9 apps this season so far. He scored against Barcelona and his latest came in a friendly vs PSG.


4. Max Meyer (Schalke)
It has been a breakthrough season for 18 year old Max Meyer who has established himself as Schalke's attacking midfielder. His vision is excellent and he adds creativity and flair to the game. In just 1,707 minutes this season, he has scored 7 goals and assisted 3 in all competitions. The German wonder kid has started to attract interest from clubs around Europe. WATCH OUT!


3. Lazar Markovic (Benfica)
The 19 year old Serbian International currently plays for Benfica as a winger/striker. When he was just 18 years old, he had already made 60 apps for Partizan and scored an impressive 13 goals. He moved to Benfica in 2013 where he has scored 3 in 11 apps. He has earned 9 senior caps for Serbia.


2. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
The 18 year old left back is one the most exciting prospects in the Premier League and probably one of the best left backs in the league currently. He has shown his quality the entire last season and has continued to show this season. His quality is such that top clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea are willing to spend big to sign him up and Southampton will struggle to keep him this transfer window.

 1. Lucas Piazon (Chelsea/Vitesse)
This exciting youngster has lit up the eredivisie this season. The 19 year old Chelsea youngster is on loan to Vitesse where he has scored an impressive 11 goals and assisted 7 times in just 16 games. This versatile Brazilian youngster can play in all attacking positions. He is known for his flair, passing, dribbling, set pieces, and excellent vision. He has been compared to a young Kaka and he has all the attributes to be a superstar in the future.

NB: Not include in this category is Nigeria FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, Kelechi Iheanacho but is also one to keep in mind.
Iheanacho took the U17 World Cup at the United Arab Emirates by storm, after being named the Most Valuable Player at the tournament. He scored six goals and had seven assists in seven appearances.
Top English clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United were allegedly interested in sealing a deal for Wiskid signature but were beaten by Manchester City.