Future Power Players: Athletes Under 25 Set to Dominate Sports

A fresh-faced group of ultratalented, social-savvy and downright impressive athletes are already making their mark as they get ready to dominate the sports world.

Gen Z may have its share of stereotypes, but the kids are gonna be all right: A fresh-faced group of ultratalented, social-savvy and downright impressive athletes are already making their mark as they get ready to dominate the sports world (and future versions of the Power List) for decades to come.

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Bryce and Bronny James

Jeffery A. Salter/Sports Illustrated

LeBron James has made his intentions clear: He wants to play with his sons, Bronny, 18 (right), and Bryce, 16 (left). “The Chosen Sons” are well on their way to fulfilling their dad’s dream. At 6' 3", 180 pounds, the elder will start at USC in the fall. Already 6' 6", Bryce dunks emphatically as he heads to Campbell Hall in L.A. for his junior year.

Connor Bedard

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Taken No. 1 by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL draft, the 17-year-old had nine goals and 14 assists to lead Canada to gold at the World Juniors in January.

Rose Zhang

Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Within 13 days, Zhang, 20, won her second straight NCAA title and the Mizuho Americas Open, becoming the first in 72 years to win in her LPGA pro debut.

Alyssa Thompson

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The first high schooler drafted No. 1 in the NWSL, the 18-year-old Angel City forward has a team-high three goals and one assist through 12 games in 2023. In July, Thompson is also headed to her first World Cup as part of the U.S. women’s national team. 

Erling Haaland

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The 6' 4" Norwegian striker, 22, scored 52 goals in 53 games in his debut season with Man City—and capped it all off with a Champions League title.

Caitlin Clark

Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated

Iowa’s 21-year-old star and reigning Player of the Year will return for her senior year after her shooting and swagger ignited the 2023 NCAA tournament.

Victor Wembanyama

Steve Marcus/Getty Images

The 7' 3" prodigy from France is only 19, but he’ll enter the NBA with Hall of Fame expectations thanks to his versatile skill set and unprecedented talent.