The Beautiful Game - Character Youth Profiles

All credit goes to The Champions League for these detailed youth profiles!

Gor nacho (2012 profile)
Club: Shrewsbury Town
Position: Goalkeeper
Birthday: 23 June 1995
Gor's not your typical goalkeeper. A reminiscent of the great Gordon Banks, Gor is excellent in 1v1 action and boasts having marvelous reflexes. It's highly unusual to see a goalkeeper start on their teenage years but Gor has already done that on multiple occasions, in fact, he already is Shrewsbury Town's starting goalkeeper. He made his debut in a cup game against Newcastle United last season where he saved a penalty and although they lost 1–0, he was the Man of the Match. Multiple clubs are already scouting him and following his progress, including Premier League champions Manchester City. This young lad definitely has what it takes to become England's number 1 a few years from now.

St Scarlett (2015 profile)
Club: Manchester United
Position: Defender
Birthday: 20 January 1998
Manchester United were ambitious when they established their youth academy for girls and it seems to be working. Scarlett joined three years ago yet she is regarded as England's top prospect and was named the best player at the U-17 Women's World Cup a few months ago. Her best attribute is intercepting as she is very fine reading the game. Her vision and crossing are also beyond her years and on top of that, she was called for England's matches against China and Australia where she made her debut as a substitute against the former.

Regnum Italiae (2015 profile)
Club: Fiorentina
Position: Striker
Birthday: 17 August 1998
Italy, notable for producing quality defenders, has not quite developed as many forwards as they would want and have lacked a number 9 for some years after Del Piero and Inzaghi both hanged up their boots. Regy is set to follow their footsteps. A classic striker, lethal in front of goal as well good in aerial duels, he made his debut for hometown club Livorno at just 16 after the winter break in the Serie B and was instantly selected as the team's top choice. An impressive record of 7 goals in just 16 matches is proof of his enormous talent and potential. Various Italian clubs are set to sign him in the coming months with Fiorentina and AC Milan the favorites to win his signature.

The Oriental Empire (2015 profile)
Club: Lyon Féminin
Position: Midfielder
Birthday: 5 September 1998
A midfielder with supreme vision and inch-perfect passes is what describes Orient. Orient was born in Greece but moved to the French capital before the age of five. Regarded as the next Amandine Henry and dubbed as "the female Zidane", Orient was signed by France's biggest club Lyon this past summer after her eye-catching performances with Paris as a 16-year old. She has shown incredible maturity and coolness when she finds herself under pressure and that is one of her top attributes.

Suomessa (2016 profile)
Club: Ajax
Position: Attacking midfielder
Birthday: 18 January 1999
When you're regarded as the next big thing in your country, you must've been doing things right. Dubbed as the "next Jari Litmanen", Suomessa definitely has the weight of a nation in his shoulders. He already emulated his childhood idol by securing a move to Ajax and has been showing his class and talent with the U19 Ajax side in the UEFA Youth League. A player with a great mobility, a killer pass and also a prolific goalscorer at youth level, he has also made his debut for Finland earlier in the year during a World Cup qualifier match against Kosovo where he scored the opening goal. He is certainly doing things right and there are hopes that he can become a bigger star than Litmanen himself.

Laver Island (2016 profile)
Club: Malmo (on loan from Copenhagen)
Position: Attacking midfielder
Birthday: 20 April 1999
They call him the "next Christian Eriksen" although some say he's the "next Brian Laudrup.” Regardless of what his nickname is, Laver has definitely shown his talent at home and now overseas this season with Malmo (at the time of this writing he had 8 league starts with 4 goals and 3 assists under his belt). An agile midfielder, he can also read the game perfectly and anticipate balls before anyone else get to them. He also has a sweet right foot and although he's somewhat of a one-footed player, that right leg is everything he needs to succeed in life. Laver is regarded as a hybrid number 10, with him playing as an attacking midfielder, although he usually plays as a false 9. Either way, his vision lets him make quality assists and his goalscoring abilities make him as good as any other forward in the pitch. His main goal? To emulate Denmark's success at the 1992 Euro.

South St Maarten (2016 profile)
Club: Montreal Impact
Birthday: 10 July 1999
Position: Defensive midfielder
Born in New York to Dutch parents, Maarten has taken the MLS by storm. His performances at the back drew comparisons to Frank de Boer and Ronald Koeman and he even received offers from the United States, Canada and the Netherlands to play for their senior team, although he hasn't decided just yet. A set-piece specialist, Maarten has also been utilised by Montreal Impact this season as a free kick and penalty taker and has scored from those opportunities at least once this season. He may not posses the physique of your average defensive midfielder, but he is tough and likes to dispossess opposite players from the ball with his standing tackles. He'll be hoping to move to his parents' home country in a few years.

Rivierenland (2016 profile)
Club: Ajax
Position: Striker
Birthday: 24 July 1999
Riv's idol is Johan Cruyff and although he never got to see him as a player or manager, he knows how to play like the Dutch legend. Nicknamed as " the next Cruyff" and regarded as Ajax's biggest talent, he scored in his league debut against Vitesse a few weeks ago and has been a regular starter for Ajax U19 side and was the top goalscorer in the Eerste Divisie last season. Riv is a typical 9 and possesses a killer shot although he can also play behind the striker or even as a winger. His goalscoring abilities with Ajax's youth teams led to comparisons with Robin van Persie, although Riv feels that he's more like Dennis Bergkamp. In a recent interview with De Telegraaf, Riv explained that his only goal is to win the World Cup with the Netherlands and he is determined to make it happen.

The Poland-Lithuania Commonwealth (2016 profile)
Club: Toronto FC
Position: Winger
Birthday: 4 November 1999
Canada has lacked a football superstar for many years and although it's not the most popular sport in the country, they have been dreading for a return to the World Cup since the 1986 edition. Poliet is by far the best Canadian prospect and is already a league veteran. He is only 16 but has already taken full control of Toronto FC's attack. The Nova Scotia native only spent two years in their academy before jumping to the pitch. A speedy, tricky winger who is also calm under pressure from opposition defenders, Poliet is surely what Canada has been waiting for so long. He is so highly valued that he already received his first call to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and El Salvador where he appeared as a substitute against the former and a starter against the latter. A move to Europe seems inevitable with French and English clubs reportedly tracking down the young superstar.

Outer Sparta (2016 profile)
Club: Chicago Fire
Position: Right midfielder
Birthday: 24 November 1999
MLS clubs have constantly raised new talent over the last few years. Some of them have gone overseas, some have stayed and some got obtained the honor of representing their national team. Outer Sparta is certainly those who are destined to go overseas and to represent the United States. The Michigan-native plays as a wide midfielder and is highly regarded for his vision and passing abilities. He may be only 16 but has already made his debut for the club and also has already registered 6 assists to his name in addition to 1 goal. His performances at the 2015 U-17 World Cup has attracted various European clubs including Sparta's favorite club, Liverpool. A move to the Premier League seems likely in the coming months.

Yahlia (2016 profile)
Club: Tasman United
Position: Midfielder
Birthday: 4 December 1999
The Bronze Ball winner of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup has his country at his feet. Yahlia is regarded as the best footballer to emerge from New Zealand since Chris Wood although there are hopes that he came become more successful than his compatriot. An all-around midfielder, Yahlia can play in almost every position in the middle of the pitch although he likes playing behind the striker as a typical number 10. Dubbed as "the Kiwi Messi", he has great mobility and stupendous vision. He is also prolific in front of goal and debuted for his hometown club, Tasman United, weeks before his 16th birthday. He hasn't looked back ever since and has been a standout player for a team that usually lingers in the bottom of the table. He will be hoping to emulate Chris Wood by moving to Europe in the future and with his current performances, he is surely getting a transfer soon.

Dizgovzy (2017 profile)
Club: New York City FC
Position: Striker
Birthday: 7 February 2000
Diz is dubbed "the American Gerd Muller" and he has truly earned that nickname. Not only does he has German lineage, but his performances at youth level with the United States back up those beliefs. A deadly striker, who likes to come back and win possession of the ball and who's also a hazard in the air to the opposition, Diz will be representing the United States at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup where he will feature along Josh Sargent. The NYCFC player also established himself as an immovable starting player this season and scored a whopping 11 goals as his team reached the Conference Finals. He also received various offers from several European teams and reportedly signed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt, which will become effective once he turns 18.

Libertandonien (2017 profile)
Club: Basel
Position: Left midfielder
Birthday: 21 February 2000
Lib has been called "the Inverse Rakitic" for a reason. Unlike Rakitic – a Croatian footballer who was born in Switzerland – Lib was born in Croatia but chose to represent Switzerland internationally. The comparisons don't end there as both players started their professional career with Basel. Ivan went on to become a superstar, currently with Barcelona, and nothing less is expected from Lib. The Swiss wonderkid likes to play as a midfielder, typically on the left side of the field. Lib's main ability is crossing and he's already the main corner taker for his team. Lib may only be 17, but he has already amassed 5 assists in the league so far, all coming from corners. He already made his Champions League debut and it was nothing short than great, assisting two goals and scoring another one as Basel defeated Benfica 5–0. The young lad definitely has the potential to shine and will be expected to appear for Switzerland at the 2018 World Cup next summer along his favorite players, Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri.

Pilipinas and Malaya (2017 profile)
Club: Ulsan Hyundai
Position: Attacking midfielder
Birthday: 23 March 2000
Since his time with Mendiola's academy, Pilipinas was touted as the country's best prospect ever and nicknamed "the Philippine Messi". So highly rated he was, that he appeared in the bench for the team aged 15. He never made his debut for Mendiola's first team, as he chose to continue in school instead although he represented his country at U16 level. He led the Philippines to participating at the AFC U16 Championship for the first time as he scored 9 goals during qualification, including 4 in a single game against minnows Northern Mariana Islands, in a 12–0 victory. Pilipinas knows it's almost an impossible task but he hopes to represent his country at a World Cup and dreams of playing in Europe although he rejected multiple offers so that could join South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai. According to him, it was not the time for a big move and he wanted to play in a familiar environment before making the jump to Europe.

Feria-Alkaline (2017 profile)
Club: OL Reign
Position: Striker
Birthday: 15 April 2000
Feria is dubbed as "the next Abby Wambach" and is expected to fill the place Wambach left after she retired. She's a powerful, hardworking striker who likes to regain possession from the back and then charge at the opponents' defensive line. She has been tremendously effective in front of goal and her performance with the United States at the U17 World Cup last year, where she scored 8 goals – including a hat trick in the opening game – as her country won the tournament. The Golden Ball winner also featured in the Tournament of Nations during this summer and shared the top goalscoring spot with Australian player Samantha Kerr. With 5 goals in 5 senior matches with the United States, she is expected to participate in the upcoming Women's World Cup in two years as the main striker.

Miharr (2017 profile)
Club: Sky Blue FC
Position: Midfielder
Birthday: 3 June 2000
Alongside fellow United States teammate Feria, Miharr is regarded as the future of women's football in the United States. Feria ended the U17 Women's World Cup as the top goalscorer, but it was Miharr who made it happen. With her 6 assists, she received the Silver Ball of the tournament as the United States lifted the trophy. Nicknamed "the next Rapinoe", she excels with her passing abilities, both short and long, and is a crossing perfectionist. Fielded as a wide midfielder on both flanks, Miharr can also play as a winger and it's pretty good scoring from distance, a trait that has made her famous in her home country. Along with her friend and teammate Feria, she debuted with the US at the Tournament of Nations, assisting 2 goals and scoring another one herself. Just like her, Miharr is expected to attend the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in the starting lineup.

Republic of satherland (2017 profile)
Club: Selangor
Position: Left midfielder
Birthday: 23 August 2000
Even since the great Mokhar Dahari retired, Malaysian football suffered a great setback from which they haven't been able to fully recover. Sather is well-known in the country and he's expected to full the place that Dahari vacated. The tricky midfielder is known for his velocity on the wings, his crossing accuracy and goalscoring abilities. A member of Selangor, he made his debut last season and has been a key member of the team so far. He also received his first callup to the national team during the AFF Championship where he was named the best player and top goalscorer with 7 goals, including a spectacular one against Indonesia in the second leg of the final. Malaysia hopes that he becomes their first global superstar and with various teams reportedly interesting in signing him, it seems just a matter of time before he joins one of Europe's elite clubs.

Alienage (2018 profile)
Club: Barcelona
Position: Forward
Birthday: 7 April 2001
Many people often ask themselves how the world would've been if Messi had chosen to represent Spain instead. We may have finally found the answer to that thanks to La Masia's latest prospect, Alienage. Born in La Paz, Bolivia, Alienage started his career in his home country with two of Bolivia's biggest clubs, The Strongest and Bolivar, before moving to Spain when he was 11 along the rest of his family due to work. He was scouted by Barcelona shortly after his arrival and joined La Masia. His performances with Barcelona's youth teams earned him the nickname of "the next Messi" and he has an advantage by training alongside his childhood idol. Alienage is a mix between an attacking midfielder and a striker and his style of play reminds many of Messi when he was under current Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola. A deadly shot and excellent dribbling ability is what make Alienage a future superstar. Oh, and he scored against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final last season during his debut with Barcelona's first team.
The Kingdom of Denmark (2018 profile)
Club: Lech Poznan (on loan from Bayern)
Position: Striker
Birthday: 14 October 2001
KoD was born in Canada to Polish parents and he showed his goalscoring prowess ever since he was with the Vancouver Whitecaps youth setup. A deadly striker in front of goal, he has been compared numerous times to his idol, compatriot, and now friend, Robert Lewandowski. KoD moved to Poland and was signed by Lech Poznan, the place where Lewy started his career. His performances with the Polish U17 national team were so impressive that Bayern decided to sign him, and to make things more special to him, it was Lewandowski who played a key role in the signing of the Polish sensation. KoD was immediately loaned back to Lech on a 2-year deal in order to him to get first team experience and as of now, it couldn't get better for the Polish sensation. 7 goals in 10 games so far is just a glimpse of what this young fellow can do in the pitch. Expect him to finish as the league's top goalscorer once it concludes in May.

The Champions League (2019 profile)
Club: El Paso Locomotive (on loan from Colorado Rapids)
Position: Left back
Birthday: 25 February 2002
A left back with the playing style of a winger is what defines TCL. He's a defender with an offensive mentality, and that's something you don't see very often. He has been fielded as a winger on a few occasions this season and performed as well as when he's on defence. TCL likes to take on wingers on 1v1 actions and his inch-perfect sliding tackles is what makes him stand out from the rest. Apart from defensive skills, TCL is also a set piece specialist. He has started in all games for his hometown club El Paso Locomotive during his season on loan from MLS side Colorado Rapids and ended the season with 4 goals and 7 assists. He looks set to represent the United States in a few weeks at the U-17 World Cup in Brazil and expect him to score or assist just as he has done it at club level. TCL also dreams of playing in Europe one day and he plans on using this upcoming tournament as a stepping stone on his path across the Atlantic.

Poland-kaliningrad (2019 profile)
Club: Lech Poznan
Position: Right back
Birthday: 14 September 2002
Pol-Kali is Poland's most exciting defensive prospect. Dubbed as "the next Piszczek", Pol-Kali is a quick, agile defender who likes to press and slide opposite players, Pol-Kali joined Lech Poznan, his hometown club, at age 10 and has progressed steadily through the academy. His senior debut came in a cup game this season and with the help of fellow Polish teammates, Filip Marchwinski and KoD, his playing time has increased and so have his performances, as they keep impressing the ones around him. He is hoping to one day play for Poland and with his performances so far, he is surely going to debut for them in a few years.

Apabeossie (2020 profile)
Club: Pohang Steelers
Playing position: Striker
Birthday: 21 May 2003
Apab was the top goalscorer and best player at the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship, with South Korea winning the tournament. He was also a standout player as South Korea reached the quarterfinals of the U-17 World Cup as they were eliminated by runners up France. Nonetheless, his goalscoring abilities at youth level have attracted multiple European teams. His favorite player is Tottenham superstar Son Heung-min and although his goal is to be like him, Apab has been compared to South Korean legend Cha Bum-kun, who terrorized German defenders during the 80s. Apab has a solid leg and his shot power makes him a threat to opposite goalkeepers. He hasn't debuted at senior level, instead focusing on school but regardless of that, South Korea's top prospect is surely going places and a move to Europe may follow within a year or two from now.