Italy-born Ghanaian striker Mario Balotelli has tipped Nigeria's Victor Osimhen and AC Milan's Rafael Leao as potential era-defining players.
Speaking on Muschi Selvaggio's podcast, Balotelli drew comparisons between Leao and the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, citing his belief that Leao has the potential to reach their level.
He also singled out Osimhen as a player to watch, noting that both players have the potential to become world-class if they maintain their focus.
He stated, "also keep an eye on Leao and Osimhen: with the right head, they can reach the level of Erling and Kylian."
Balotelli's prediction comes at a time when football fans are already beginning to speculate about the next generation of outstanding players, with many wondering who will emerge as the next Messi or Ronaldo.
While Balotelli believes that Messi's dominance will continue for some time, he suggested that players like Haaland and Mbappe may eventually take over as the strongest players in the game.
He said, "as long as Messi plays, I will continue to say that he is the strongest player around. Afterwards, perhaps, it will be the turn of Haaland and Mbappe."