30 days to go until the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019
Generations of talented players have made their bow at past editions
We list 30 players who have shone brightest at the U-17 World Cup
For many players, representing your country at the FIFA U-17 World Cup can mark the start of a successful international career. Since the tournament came into being in the 1980s, it has provided generations of young players with promising futures with a stage for them to show their burgeoning talent and will to win.
With 30 days to go before the start of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™, FIFA.com lists 30 idols who made their major tournament debuts for their countries at this age level. They range from Neymar to Gianluigi Buffon, great players vying for World Cup glory before they made their names. Among them is Pablo Aimar, who played for Argentina at the 1995 competition and returns this year as his country’s coach.
Meanwhile Germany’s Toni Kroos, Spain’s Cesc Fabregas and USA’s Landon Donovan all enjoyed successful professional careers after respectively being named players of the tournament at the 2007, 2003 and 1999 U-17 world finals.
Brazil 2019 could well see the emergence of yet more idols of the future.