For the past three seasons, Prospect Belgium has awarded the Rookie of the Season title to the player who has enjoyed the best first professional year (with minimum 500 minutes played). The first winner, Konstantinos Karetsas, has since joined the Greek senior national team and completed a notable move to Borussia Dortmund this summer. The second, Jorthy Mokio, who was already a Belgian international when he received the award, earned his first call-up to the Democratic Republic of Congo national team this month while remaining a regular starter for Ajax. As we wait to discover what the future holds for the latest winner, Noah Fernandez, we can already see that the award has consistently recognised young, precocious talents who have gone on to make an impact at international level. So, as the new season gets underway, the question is: who will be next?
This season, the race looks more open than ever. Numerous young talents are making the step up as new professionals, but no one appears to have established a clear advantage just yet. We have therefore put together an XI of players to watch who could all challenge for the trophy.
Our attacking trio consists of Kiyan Achahbar (2009 – KRC Genk), Matteo Soria (2010 – Club Brugge) and Noa Ojea Cobiella (2009 – RSC Anderlecht).
You are probably already familiar with Noa Ojea Cobiella, who has already played several minutes for the first team this season and has impressed supporters with his entertaining style of play. His use of the sole of his boot and his technical precision have become something of a trademark. Kiyan Achahbar has made a strong start in the Challenger Pro League, recently being named MVP in the derby against Sporting Hasselt after scoring twice and providing an assist. He too is a technical and pacey winger.
The number nine in this XI is none other than Matteo Soria. Born in 2010, he will have to qualify for the U17 European Championship and the U17 World Cup this season, while already being regarded as one of the best number nines of his generation in Europe. Yanis Musuayi’s departure to Levante this summer opened the door for him to make his professional debut at a very early age. He has already made his mark, scoring a remarkable 88th-minute winner against Patro Eisden to secure victory for Club NXT.
In midfield, we have Jelle Driessen (2009 – KRC Genk), alongside two RSC Anderlecht players, Noah Kalonji (2009 – RSC Anderlecht) and Adjani Mujangi Bia (2010 – RSC Anderlecht).
Jelle, who can operate either as a number eight or a number ten, has yet to register a decisive contribution this season, but that should come sooner rather than later, as he appears destined to become an undisputed starter for Jong Genk.
Noah began his professional career this season in the Europa League, after missing the previous campaign with the RSCA Futures. He has made the jump directly from the U18s to the first team. It will be interesting to see whether he can retain his place in the senior squad or spend the majority of the year playing in the Challenger Pro League.
After becoming the youngest player in Jupiler Pro League history last season, Adjani had to feature in this XI. He is currently playing with the U18s in U18 Elite 1. His presence in the Rookie of the Season conversation will depend on how much professional playing time he gets before the end of the season, but his potential is already evident.
In defence, we have Sami El Morabet (2009 – KRC Genk), Axl Wins (2008 – Club Brugge), Wout Kapers (2007 – KRC Genk) and Mohamed Elbay (2008 – Club Brugge).
Sami, a talented left-back, could put together a strong season with Jong Genk in the Challenger Pro League, but he will need to accumulate enough minutes to become eligible and will face plenty of competition.
Axl, arguably one of the most promising players at Club NXT, can operate either at centre-back or left-back. The left-footed 2008-born defender is certainly one of the potential candidates.
Wout, a centre-back for Jong Genk alongside captain Elie Mbavu, stands out for his defensive solidity, mentality and ability to carry the ball. He could well emerge as a surprise contender.
Mohamed Elbay, a right-back, earned his first youth international call-up at the beginning of last season. Having already accumulated more than 350 minutes in the Challenger Pro League and established himself as a starter during Club Brugge’s U19 UEFA Youth League campaign, he is now entering his first full professional season with the ambition of making a strong impression.
In goal, Bas Evers of Jong KAA Gent recently produced a standout performance against Sporting Hasselt. A key talent for his team, he could find himself among the Rookie of the Season nominees depending on how the campaign unfolds.
Other Possibilities?
In the Jupiler Pro League
- Viggo Martens (2007 – Cercle Brugge), currently a starter for Cercle Brugge, or Anthony Philipps (2009 – KV Kortrijk) could enter the conversation, as early first-team performances appear to be a crucial factor in the award.
- Louie Van Gelder (2009 – Antwerp) could also be considered, although his club’s emphasis on youth could make it difficult for him to accumulate enough minutes in defensive midfield at this stage (Editor’s note).
- Malcom Mbasi (2008 – KV Mechelen) and Ian Struyf (2007 – KV Mechelen), both internationals at Mechelen, could also enter the discussion.
In the Challenger Pro League
- Mattis Seghers (2009 – RSC Anderlecht) could have taken Bas Evers’ place in our XI, while Clever Ossohou (2010 – 2010) and Al-Hassan Kamara (2009 – Club Brugge) at Club NXT, both attacking players, could make a real impression this season.
- Other Anderlecht players, such as Ilyas Benktib (2009 – RSC Anderlecht), Dwight Ede Eriyo (2010 – RSC Anderlecht) and Milan Debast (2009 – RSC Anderlecht), could also be added to the list.
Abroad?
Unless there is a surprise, it seems unlikely that the trophy will leave Belgium at the end of the season. The winners of the previous two editions were playing in the Netherlands, which could naturally turn our attention towards PSV and Ajax. However, no Belgian player appears likely to have his Rookie season abroad in 2026/2027.
Samuel Dumbili (2008 – PSV Eindhoven) deserves a mention, having recently made his professional debut. However, his involvement with the Dutch youth national teams makes him ineligible for the Rookie of the Season award.
In the French league, Samuel Nibombe appears to be the closest to our Belgian youngsters in terms of securing regular Ligue 1 minutes, although competition at AS Monaco is fierce.
In England, only Luka Bentt could potentially spring a surprise, but establishing himself in the Premier League remains a major challenge.
In Italy, Josué Grelaud and Grady Makiobo could earn the playing time they need and are therefore certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Conclusion
The 2026/27 Rookie of the Season could very well be named somewhere in this article. This list is by no means exhaustive however and football always has a way of producing surprises. That is precisely why we love this sport and why we are so excited to follow the future players who will go on to shape its next generation.
As you may have noticed the youngest players mentioned here were born in 2010. So could we be in for a surprise with a player born in 2011 taking home the award? Who knows…
One thing is certain: if a player born in 2011 does win the trophy then there is a good chance they will come from RSC Anderlecht…
PB.