Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham stars of past, present or future have all made their names at the tournament.
FIFA’s under-17 World Cup is underway in the United Arab Emirates, with a couple of youngsters already making a name for himself.
The uniquely named ‘Mosquito’ has been impressing for Brazil, bagging a hat-trick in their 6-1 win over Slovakia.
Then Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho went one better, scoring four as his country defeated defending champions Mexico by the same scoreline.
Impressive stuff, but in whose footsteps are they following? We took a look at former stars of the tournament who you may recognise…
Lucas Piazon
Chelsea starlet Lucas Piazon featured at the 2011 tournament, scoring twice. One of his goals he struck so hard it broke through the net.
Florent Sinama-Pongolle
Liverpool signed Florent Sinama Pongolle on the back of his sensational performances at the tournament. The striker won the Golden Ball for best player in 2001 and top scored with nine goals as France won the trophy.
Anderson
Manchester United fans may scarcely believe it now, but Anderson was among the world’s most coveted young players. He won the 2005 Golden Ball for his performances with Brazil. Check him out scoring below, it looks like a different player, but amazingly it’s not.
Cesc Fabregas
Two years after Sinama Pongolle achieved the Golden Ball and top scorer double, Cesc Fabregas did the same. The Spaniard dazzled at the 2003 tournament, scoring five times.
Landon Donovan
Former Everton loanee Landon Donovan announced his arrival on the world stage in the tournament too. The LA Galaxy veteran won the 1999 Golden Ball as the USA reached the semi-finals.
Souleymane Coulibaly
Coulibaly is a name several may not yet have heard of. The 18-year-old striker scored an incredible nine goals in four matches for the Ivory Coast in 2011, and was signed by Tottenham. He is still awaiting a first team chance, but scored twice in a short loan in Serie B at the end of last season.
Carlos Vela
Former Arsenal attacker Carlos Vela followed in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas, by winning the top scorer award two years after the Spaniard. Vela also bagged five goals as he helped Mexico win the 2005 tournament.
Nuri Sahin
Former Liverpool loan man Nuri Sahin also impressed in 2005. The Turk scored four goals and was voted the third best player, the tournament coming after he had made his debut for Dortmund, where he had become the Bundesliga’s youngest ever player.
Wallace
Chelsea’s loanee right-back Wallace first caught the attention of the club at the 2011 tournament, scoring for Brazil as they finished fourth. He is currently on loan at Inter.
Fabio and Rafael da Silva
Manchester United full-backs the Da Silva twins featured at the 2007 tournament. While Rafael is now considered more advanced, it was Fabio who was the star back then. He was captain of the side and scored two goals.
Which of the 11 has gone onto enjoy the best career so far?
image: © Gordon Flood
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