The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world and the biggest sporting event overall. In this competition, a field will be shared by all of the seasoned football players in the globe whose teams have qualified. Many football legends, such Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, may be playing in their final tournament, but many young players are also competing in their first. Here are several young athletes that will be making their FIFA World Cup debuts:
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Ghana) – 8th March 2004
This Ghanaian professional footballer is an attacking midfielder for Sporting CP. Issahaku has been dubbed the generation’s most important African prospect. He served as the captain for Ghana’s under-17 team. Sporting CP signed Issahaku to a five-year deal with a 60 million euro release clause. This Ghanaian prodigy has already received 13 national team caps.
Alejandro Blade (Spain) – 18th October 2003
This season, Alejandro Blade has become a rising sensation in La Liga. The injured Jose Gaya’s teammate was replaced by this rising talent. FC Barcelona’s Blade is a left-back. He was meant to be loaned out by FC Barcelona, but Getafe director Xavi decided to wager on him. Blade first gained attention this season with Camp Nou thanks to his stellar play on the left and right sides of defence.
Antonio Silva (Portugal) – 30TH October 2003
This 19-year-old is a center-back for Benfica in the Primeira Liga. Former Portugal youth international Silva has played for his nation at several levels. He scored his first league goal against Estoril in September, the same month he was voted the league’s Defender of the Month. Silva, who resides in Lisbon, has been extremely candid about his mental health struggles, which he overcome with the aid of the team’s psychologist
Bilal El Khannouous (Morocco) – 10th May 2004
El Khannouss, who was born in Belgium but is of Moroccan ancestry, switched to represent Morocco in the under-20 division. The K.R.C. Genk midfielder is a professional. El Khannous faced K.V. Mechelen in his league debut. This young prodigy represented Belgium in the under-15 and under-16 age groups before deciding to play for Morocco to honour his grandparents.
Garang Koul (Australia) – 15th September 2004
The Kouls decided to live in Australia after being born in Egypt to Sudanese parents who had emigrated there in search of a better life. This talented young athlete is reportedly Australia’s Wild Card in Qatar. In the FIFA World Cup 2022, he ranks as the second-youngest player. Koul, a forward for Central Coast Mariners, will begin his next season in January 2023 with Newcastle United in the English Premier League. Koul has not yet participated in a league game in his senior football career and is largely untested.
Jude Bellingham (England) – 29th June 2003
One of the best young players in the world, this midfielder, 19, represents Borussia Dortmund and is only 19 years old. This teenager has drawn interest from a number of clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, and it goes without saying that if Real Madrid is pursuing you, you usually end up with them. At Khalifa International Stadium, Bellingham became the second-youngest player to score a goal for England during the World Cup.
Only time will tell if this tournament will be the last for many iconic players and many rising talents competing in their first FIFA World Cup. There are 32 nations competing for the world cup trophy; we’ll see who wins.
Pablo Martin Gavira (Spain) – 5th August 2004
The common moniker of this Spanish football player is GAVI, thus he need no introduction. This talented and perceptive midfielder represents La Liga team Barcelona. Gavi has participated in under-15 and under-16 Spanish national teams. The Kopa Trophy, awarded annually to the world’s top under-21 player, has also been awarded to this young Spaniard.
Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany) – 20th November 2004
The youngest participant in the FIFA World Cup, this striker is only 17 years old and will turn 18 on December 20, the opening day of the competition. Numerous European clubs are interested in Moukoko because of his incredible season.
This star athlete is currently a Borussia Dortmund player. He has so far this season contributed to 22 additional goals and 6 of his own for the team. As he makes his debut for the German national team at the FIFA World Cup 2022, all eyes will be on this prodigy.
Zeno Debast (Belgium) – 24th October 2003
The center-back for Belgian First Division A team Anderlecht is this 19-year-old football player. For the UEFA Nations League, Debast gained his first call-up to the senior Belgian team. This youthful celebrity is frequently seen as Vincent Kompany’s successor. Additionally, there are rumours that Liverpool is considering hiring him. The season is going especially well for this rising star. And the Belgian coach is singing his praises. Martinez, a Belgian coach, said, “Stop looking at his age and start looking at his potential.”
