The FIFA Under-;17 World Cup started in Indonesia on Friday, and the world will witness a new generation of players breakthrough, just as many others have in decades and years before.
Many of the world’s football legends and stars started with the under-17 World Cup, like Barcelona’s manager Xavi Hernandez, Ronaldinho, Francesco Totti, Cesc Fabregas, Carlos Tevez, Iker Casillas, and many more.
More recent under-17 World Cup Alumni are Brazil’s Neymar, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Toni Kroos, Allison Becker, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and more.
However, while there are some names to look out for at this tournament in Indonesia, there are some Players aged 17 and under who already seem bigger than the tournament, and here are Five stars who are not at the FIFA under-17 World Cup.
1. Endrick – Brazil + Palmerias
Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa is probably the biggest star who will not be in Indonesia despite Brazil’s presence at the World Cup.
The teenager has already agreed to join Real Madrid when he turns 18 in 2024.
However, that’s not the only reason; the player has been instrumental in Brazil’s top flight for Palmerias this season, scoring eight goals in 26 games. He is one of the best soccer players under 18 already.
He’s also secured a slot in the Selecao for the November international window.
The forward has already built a status bigger than the FIFA under-17 World Cup.
2. Lamine Yamal – Spain + Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is even ahead of Endrick, even though he is younger than the Brazilian.
Lamine Yamal is a 16-year-old who has broken a lot of records in La Liga and for Barcelona as the youngest player to play for the Blaugrana at 15 years old last season.
He won his first title In that same season and made his national team debut for the Spanish national team.
The Spaniard is a skillful, pacy, and gifted player, with the potential of becoming one of the best wingers in the world.
He has made four UEFA Champions League appearances this season and has been included in Spain’s team for the November international window.
4. Ethan Mbappé – France + PSG
Call it the sibling’s tax and say Ethan is riding on the popularity of his elder brother Kylian Mbappe, but that won’t still diminish the popularity and expectations that will follow Ethan Mbappe to the FIFA U17 World Cup if he had been picked to be part of France’s under-17 to the World Cup.
At just 16 years old, Ethan is a midfielder and still majorly plays for PSG under-19. He is expected to progress into the PSG main team sooner rather than later.
5. Nestory Irankunda — Australia+ Adelaide United
Here is the only outsider who has managed to make this list; he hasn’t got the popularity of the majority on this list, but he’s managed some feats that those on it have made.
Firstly, Irankunda is a Tanzanian-born Australian under-17 player. He is a winger blessed with pace, shot power, and a lot of strength. He has been playing for Adelaide United in the Australian A-League since the age of 15.
He has 11 goals In seven games for the Australian under-17 national team, but their failure to qualify for the FIFA under-17 World Cup may have become a blessing in disguise for him as reports indicate that he has agreed to join Bayern Munich.
6. Jorrel Hato – Netherlands + Ajax
Jorrel Hato is the third-youngest player to ever make their first-team debut for Dutch club Ajax. The 17-year-old has been playing for the first team since last year.
Hato is a ball-playing central defender and can also play as a left-back. The Netherlands are not at the World Cup, and even if they are, it’s a huge doubt if Hato will travel to Indonesia after becoming a regular in Ajax’s main team.
7. Kendry Paez – Ecuador + Chelsea
Kendry Páez Andrade is a midfielder for Ecuadorian Serie A club Independiente Del Valle and the Ecuador national team.
At 16, he has already played three games for the Ecuadorian senior national team.
His quality has been so immense that he will join Premier League club Chelsea in July 2025 after the Blues beat several competitions to his signature.
He was promoted to the Independiente del Valle’s first team for the 2023 pre-season, at the age of fifteen.
On 25 February 2023, he marked his highly anticipated professional debut with a goal; the third in a 3–1 Ecuadorian Serie A win over Mushuc Runa.
