Two and half years ago, the most promising 16 and 17 year old footballers from around the world were in the UAE for the Under-17 World Cup. Now, a handful of them are breaking though in style as potential stars of the elite game for the next decade. We look at those who made good on adolescent promise.
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Kelechi Iheanacho, Manchester City and Nigeria. Age 19.
Leading scorer at the World under-17 Cup in UAE, Iheanacho was courted by Porto and Manchester City in 2014. City won. Has climbed up the hierarchy of City’s strikers, and was called up to Nigeria’s senior squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations matches.
Alen Halilovic, Sporting Gijon and Croatia. 19
The diminutive prodigy had already played for Croatia’s senior team, as their youngest ever debutant, ahead of the under-17 tournament. Snapped up by Barcelona, he has spent this season on loan and as a regular starter at Sporting Gijon. Hopes to go to Euro 2016.
Kenedy, Chelsea and Brazil. 19
Owner of a powerful left-foot, Kenedy joined Chelsea from Fluminense last summer has become a valued member of the squad. Played in the knockout stage of the Uefa Champions League, and scored the fastest goal of the Premier League season this month, after 39 seconds against Norwich City.
Emmanuel Mammana, River Plate and Argentina. 20
The tall central defender won a Copa America – the South American equivalent of the Champions League – gold medal with River Plate a year after reaching the semi-finals of the World under-17 Cup. Has been capped by Argentina at senior level and is on the radar of Italian clubs.
Isaac Success, Granada and Nigeria. 20
Injured early at the under-17 World Cup, he still contributed goals and electricity to Nigeria’s champions. He joined Udinese, whose owning family also have interests in Spain’s Granada, and England’s Watford. His current, breakthrough season at Granada looks likely to be followed by a move to Watford.
