Football giants Brazil and Spain took on each other in a ‘One Skin’ friendly that was organised to highlight the fight against racism, and people who tuned in to that game would’ve expected a lot from that game, but surely not the emergence of two young prodigies that make their mark on international football. Lamine Yamal was seen sprinting his heart out, toying with the defenders as he played an essential part in the 3-3 draw before being subbed out to a standing ovation from the crowd. Brazil wasn’t behind though, subbing in Endrick Felipe, who wasted no time in showcasing his potential, netting a goal at the 50th minute. The world was witness to not just an incredible game but to two of the most exciting prospects of current world football.
Endrick Felipe is a 17-year-old sensation who has found his way into the Brazilian national team as a striker at such a young age. He always was talented well beyond his age, first showing his prowess when he was merely 3, when he pulled off a spectacular overhead bicycle kick to fly the ball into the goal at a street game in Brazil. The neighbourhood boys swarmed the pocket rocket, who dribbled the ball like he was practising from the time he was in the womb. He went on to play for the famed Palmeiras club, being their youngest starter at 16. And as he garnered international attention and scouts pounding the Palmeiras’ door, he was traded to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a hefty $63.6 million. The teenager was living the dream many would trade their lives for, and he was still a teenager, in fact, he still is. But it is all a testament to the talent he is, and hopefully a precursor of a legacy career.
While he must already have felt at the top of the world, he is now at the helm of international stardom as he found himself in the Brazil national team. Staring at an immense opportunity to redeem the faith Brazil has put in him, he started well, even scoring a goal for his country against Spain, where he coincidentally played against the other teenager who is making headlines.
I’m talking about 16-year-old teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has been mighty impressive, perhaps even more than the enterprising Felipe, and has already broken several records. Possessing incredible speed and strength beyond his years, he joined Barcelona’s youth ranks when he was 7, and became one of La Masia’s finest products. Yamal made history when he became the youngest starter for Barcelona in La Liga. He has proven himself to be a defender’s nightmare, and will now look to breach the playing eleven as a left-footed right winger. Sounding familiar, Barca fans? Barcelona surely is excited, with their coach Xavi providing heavy praise for the youngster, calling him an extraordinary boy and one who is shouldering high expectations and works very hard.
Yamal is a glowing bright spot for the footballing world, and also the youngest player to both play for Spain and to score for them in the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers against Georgia. All these records go on to show what a prodigy this young man is. If Barcelona which is currently knee-deep in debt refuses a massive amount from PSG for Yamal, it is an indicator of how valuable a player he is.
Both Yamal and Endrick are generational talents that must be shaped and guided, which if done well can give staggering results to their clubs and countries. And with Endrick in Real Madrid and Yamal in Barcelona, they could go on to revitalise the El Classico back to its glory days, when it was the most anticipated game in football all over the world. Young talents like this aren’t common, and they must be honed into players that encapsulate calibre and skill.
