Eurosport experts nominate ‘10 Future Stars for 2016’

ByEurosport

Updated 05/01/2016 at 11:05 GMT

Eurosport’s experts across Europe have selected their ‘10 Future Stars for 2016’, with names from football, tennis, cycling, Formula One and MotoGP among those tipped for major career breakthroughs this year.

Roberto Nani, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Kingsley Coman

Image credit: Reuters

With unrivalled insight into the international sports scene, Eurosport’s commentators and expert producers have hit the target with previous predictions, having earmarked the likes of golfer Jordan Spieth and tennis ace Simona Halep for greatness since the first edition of the ‘Future Stars’ list two years ago.

So who will emerge as the new ‘faces’ of their sports in 2016? Some are already established on the professional circuits, while others are relatively unknown. Just remember, though, when they lift a trophy or step onto the podium, you heard about them here first…

Eurosport’s ‘10 Future Stars for 2016’:

All Sports

The Olympians – BMX Freestyle champion Charlotte Worthington

00:05:41

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FOOTBALL - Kingsley Coman, France

In the absence of injured compatriot Franck Ribery, the 19-year-old excelled at Bayern Munich in the first half of the Bundesliga season. Having made his national team debut in November, this versatile and pacy winger has the potential to become one of the revelations of Euro 2016 in his homeland this summer.

Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman celebrates scoring a goal

Image credit: Reuters

TENNIS - Andrey Rublev, Russia

Rublev, who only turned 18 in October, enjoyed a hugely encouraging 2015 on the ATP World Tour by breaking into the world’s top 200 following his junior men’s singles title at the 2014 French Open. Capable on all surfaces, the Russian is expected to progress to the very highest level of the sport.

Andrey Rublev of Russia poses with the trophy after winning the junior boys final of the French Open at Roland Garros

Image credit: Reuters

CYCLING - Rafal Majka, Poland

Described as a “breakaway specialist and a born attacker”, Majka could become the first Pole ever to win a Grand Tour in 2016. Despite having turned professional four years ago, 2015 marked the year that Majka illustrated his true potential, finishing third overall at the Vuelta a España.

Tinkoff-Saxo rider Rafal Majka of Poland celebrates on the podium after winning the 11th stage of the 102nd Tour de France

Image credit: Reuters

FORMULA ONE - Max Verstappen, Belgium/Netherlands

Verstappen became the youngest points-winner in the history of F1 in his debut season in 2015, and at the age of 18, he has already attracted positive comparisons – in terms of his fearless driving style, as well as his outspoken personality – with the late, great Ayrton Senna.

Toro Rosso Formula One driver Max Verstappen signs autographs

Image credit: Reuters

MOTOGP - Fabio Quartararo, France

Quartararo’s extraordinary ability secured special dispensation from the authorities for him to compete at Moto3’s highest level in the 2015 season aged just 15. Expect to hear a lot more about this supremely talented teenager, with a place at MotoGP’s top table surely on the horizon.

Honda Moto3 rider Fabio Quartararo of France is pictured in his team garage

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ATHLETICS - Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Great Britain

Injuries stifled Johnson-Thompson’s 2015, but the ambitious and gutsy 22-year-old’s world-class status was confirmed when she became European Indoor champion in the pentathlon with a British record score in March. If she stays fit, the Olympic year of 2016 could be her biggest yet.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson of Britain celebrates after winning the women's penthatlon and the 800 metres event during the IAAF European Indoor Championships in Prague

Image credit: Reuters

ALPINE SKIING – Roberto Nani, Italy

At 27, Nani is finally showing signs of fulfilling his undoubted potential. With a low centre of gravity and superb technique on steep runs, he started the 2015-16 season with his best ever result and, if he can find some consistency in his mental approach, he has been backed to shine like never before in 2016.

Roberto Nani of Italy reacts after crossing the finish line at the alpine World Cup men's giant slalom race on the Rettenbach glacier in the Tyrolean ski resort of Soelden

Image credit: Reuters

BIATHLON - Laura Dahlmeier, Germany

The 22-year-old’s relentless rise through the rankings shows no signs of halting. She posted an incredible eight podium finishes out of 17 races in 2014-15 and, with her skiing improving all of the time to complement her superb shooting skills, she could hit the summit in 2016.

Germany's anchor Laura Dahlmeier celebrates winning the women's relay competition at the IBU Biathlon World Championships in Kontiolahti

Image credit: Reuters

SKI JUMPING - Andreas Wellinger, Germany

Even injuries could not derail the 20-year-old’s stunning 2015 season, with two silver medals at the Junior World Championships. With two top-20 overall finishes in the previous three World Cup seasons and a gold medal in the team competition at the 2014 Winter Olympics, further success awaits in 2016.

Andreas Wellinger of Germany in action in Lillehammer

Image credit: Reuters

SWIMMING – Ben Proud, Great Britain

The 21-year-old is emerging out of a golden age of swimming for Great Britain. He followed up two gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games by qualifying for the freestyle and butterfly finals at the 2015 World Championships, and the 2016 Olympics offers a prime opportunity.