The Lost Generation: What Happened to Football’s Most Talented Teenagers?
In 2007, FourFourTwo and Football Manager released a list of the top 100 teenagers in the world. Looking back, it’s fascinating to see how some of these young talents turned out. From Premier League champions to Champions League winners, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit the careers of these gifted youngsters.
Micah Richards (Manchester City)
One of the earliest success stories on this list, Micah Richards was a regular starter for Manchester City’s first team in the late 2000s. He went on to win the Premier League title with the club in 2012 and represented England at the international level. Although injuries limited his playing time, Richards has since transitioned into a successful punditry career.
Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Another standout, Marcelo has become one of the most decorated players in Real Madrid’s history. With 25 major trophies to his name, including five Champions League titles, the Brazilian left-back has solidified his status as one of the best in the world. Still playing for Fluminense in Brazil, Marcelo’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of footballers.
Marek Hamsik (Napoli)
Napoli legend Marek Hamsik spent 12 years at the club, becoming their all-time leading scorer and appearance holder. His impressive career culminated in a stint as Slovakia’s team manager, where he guided the national team during the 2024 Euros.
Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Fiorentina)
After a promising start at Fiorentina, Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s career took a few unexpected turns. He played for Inter Milan, Watford, and eventually returned to Basel, where he retired in 2020. While his career didn’t quite live up to expectations, Kuzmanovic remains a respected figure in European football.
Jonathan de Guzman (Feyenoord)
Fans of the Premier League may remember Jonathan de Guzman’s brief stint at Swansea City. After a successful spell at Feyenoord, the Dutch midfielder continued to play in the Eredivisie, finishing his career with Sparta Rotterdam in 2023.
Ismail Aissati (PSV)
Once regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Dutch football, Ismail Aissati’s career didn’t quite reach the same heights. After stints at PSV and Ajax, he spent several years playing in the Turkish top flight before retiring in 2023.
Anderson (Manchester United)
Anderson’s talent was evident when Manchester United signed him for £20 million in 2007. Despite early promise, the Brazilian midfielder struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. Now retired, Anderson works as an assistant manager for Adana Demirspor in Turkey.
Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)
One of the most successful players on this list, Sergio Aguero became a fan favorite at Atletico Madrid before joining Manchester City in 2011. With 250 goals in 275 games for City, Aguero is a Premier League legend. After retiring in 2022, he has remained involved in the sport, mentoring young players.
Alexandre Pato (AC Milan)
The story of Alexandre Pato is a cautionary tale about the dangers of injuries in football. After a promising start at AC Milan, Pato’s career was marred by setbacks. He played for several clubs, including Chelsea on loan, before eventually retiring in 2023.
Karim Benzema (Lyon)
In contrast, Karim Benzema’s career has been a resounding success. After joining Real Madrid in 2009, Benzema won 354 games, 26 trophies, and the Ballon d’Or in 2022. Now playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Benzema remains one of the most feared strikers in world football.
In conclusion, this list serves as a reminder that, even among the most talented young footballers, careers can take unexpected turns. From Champions League winners to retired veterans, each of these players has left their mark on the beautiful game.
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