The FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage of them all.
Being a quadrennial event, players only get the chance to feature once when they’re regarded as toddlers.
Certain youngsters have used this avenue to shoot their careers into the limelight. The easiest, yet gruelling method is winning the tournament’s Best Young Player award.
- Gabriel Jesus
Neymar is obviously Brazil’s most important player, but Gabriel Jesus can claim to be as influential as his skipper. In the PSG superstar’s absence, Jesus carried Selecao cross almost effortlessly and will keep up with it in Russia. He was top scorer in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, with seven goals in 10 matches.
2. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s improbable career will take another dimension at the World Cup. In the last couple of years, the Frenchman has enjoyed some tremendous success many youngsters his age would only fantasize. After the Mundial, he will likely become the second-most-expensive player in history when his switch to Paris Saint-Germain is made permanent.
3. Marcus Rashford
While Dembele struggled with a serene change, Rashford had to fend with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. In a much-criticised campaign where he occasionally disappeared from the first team, the 20-year-old still garnered 13 strikes and nine assists. His talent has never been in doubt.
4. Ousmane Dembele
Perhaps too many expectations have befallen Dembele that many tend to forget he only clocked 21 last month. Indeed, the talented flanker didn’t quite lighten up Barcelona as hoped, however, he still pretty much has loads of productive years ahead.
5. Francis Uzoho
Nigeria has opted to place destiny on an inexperienced 19-year-old netminder. Uzoho isn’t even a regular at Spanish second-tier side, Deportivo La Coruna. Most often than not, he spends time flirting around the youth teams. Take nothing away from the youngster who has shown superb potential far beyond his age.
