Champions League 2017-18: 10 breakout stars

(L-R) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, Enzo Fernandez of Real Madrid, Raphael Varane of Real Madrid with Champions League trophy, Coupe des clubs Champions Europeensduring the UEFA Champions League final match between Juventus FC and Real Madrid on June 3, 2017 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

1 of 10

The Champions League is the biggest stage in soccer. Here are 10 players that could be breakout stars in the 2017-18 tournament.

The Champions League is the biggest club competition in the world. The biggest clubs and players participate looking to be crowned the best team in Europe. While the majority of players on the top clubs are established stars, players on smaller teams or from smaller countries are looking to establish themselves as breakout stars this year.

Last year, Monaco teenager Kylian Mbappe had a breakout Champions League. Very few can say they predicted Mbappe to be one of the stars of the tournament. The 18-year-old scored six goals in the tournament, helping Monaco to reach the semifinals. Following his breakout season, Mbappe was called up to the French national team and secured a big-money transfer move to PSG.

This season, another player will have a breakout campaign that takes them from an unknown player into a star or elevates a star player into a superstar. Here are 10 players who could have a breakout Champions League this year.

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – AUGUST 04: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City scores his sides first goal during a Pre Season Friendly between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Laugardalsvollur Stadium on August 4, 2017, in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

10. Gabriel Jesus – Manchester City

Manchester City signed Gabriel Jesus in January as a 19-year-old. The Brazilian instantly delivered on his potential, scoring seven goals in 10 games. Internationally, Jesus has played well for Brazil in World Cup qualifying matches, scoring four goals.

After Sergio Aguero moved in and out of Pep Guardiola’s doghouse last season, Jesus has been given a chance to partner the long-time City striker in the starting XI this year. Through three games, Jesus has played 205 minutes and scored one goal, and his partnership with Aguero appears to be going from strength to strength.

The Brazilian is a strong finisher and possesses the speed to break away from defenders. Given City’s possession-dominant style of play that breaks down opposing teams, Jesus should be put in good position to score some relatively easy goals.

City are in a group with Napoli, Feyenoord and Shakhtar Donetsk and Guardiola’s side should win the group. Should Jesus continue to be the first choice striker, he could lead the competition in goals following the conclusion of the group stage. If the draw breaks right for City, they could be in for a long run in the tournament.

Home/Champions League