Sherif Zaid
- A number of U-20 World Cup stars have won the senior edition
- We look at quartet from 2015 and 2017 editions who could feature in Russia
- Jesus, Silva, Bentancur and Alvarez profiled
According to Fifa.com, The FIFA U-20 World Cup can act as a launchpad for a successful career, or at the very least a positive learning experience for any young player. If the senior FIFA World Cup™ is used as a barometer, then the evidence of the importance of its ‘little brother’ is clear.
Ten of Spain’s successful 2010 World Cup squad gained a grounding at the U-20 World Cup, while fabled World Cup winners Diego Maradona, Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho all featured at an U-20 World Cup before leading their country to glory at the senior edition.
With Russia 2018 approaching, FIFA.com looks at stars of the most recent editions of the U-20 World Cup who could feature at the senior finals this year.
Gabriel Jesus: Brazil / Manchester City
DOB: 3/4/97 (age 21)
At the 2015 U-20 World Cup:
- Scored in opener against Nigeria
- Laid on three assists for team-mates
- Led side to final against Serbia
Their talisman Neymar aside, Gabriel Jesus is the Brazilian everybody is talking about heading into Russia 2018. Three years ago, Jesus was already turning heads – having featured for Palmeiras in the Brazilian top flight aged 18. The youngster would go on to impress at New Zealand 2015, helping his side to the final.
Since then, Jesus’ stock has only risen. His precocious performances caught the eye of Manchester City, who signed him in the summer of 2016 for arrival in January 2017, and he duly helped City break Premier League records on their way to the 2017/18 title. The forward has also become an integral part of the senior A Seleção side, scoring six goals in ten World Cup qualifying matches, after he scored three in six games on the way to Men’s Olympic Football Tournament gold with the hosts at Rio 2016.
