Manchester United: who is JJ Gabriel, the 14-year-old crack nicknamed “Kid Messi”?

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly a football legend. For some, the 2022 world champion is even the best player in history, he who is the only man to have won 8 Ballons d’Or during his career. If the 37-year-old Argentinian continues to play his favorite sport at Inter Miami, he is closer and closer to retirement. Despite this, he still inspires the younger generations. The clubs hope to find the new Messi, although he is unique. At FC Barcelona, ​​many see Lamine Yamal (18 years old) as the heir to the Pulga. In Argentina, we are banking more on Claudio Echeverri (18 years old), who has also signed for Manchester City.

In Brazil, Messinho (17), who is compared to both Messi and Neymar, joined Chelsea. But in England, Manchester United also has in its ranks a crack player who is often compared to the Argentine star. His name? Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel. But he prefers to be simply called JJ Gabriel. However, the English press and football fans have nicknamed him “Kid Messi” because of his exceptional qualities. The young player, who celebrated his 14th birthday last weekend, is considered a great hope for the Mancunian club, which he joined at the age of 11. Moreover, the residents of Old Trafford did not hesitate to upgrade him on several occasions as he impressed everyone in his age category.

“Kid Messi” already bluffs everyone

Thus, at the age of 13, the man who was Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s teammate in the youth categories was already playing with the Man U U16s. During the summer, he then shone during a pre-tournament. season in Hong Kong, where he finished as the best player with 2 goals and 2 assists. Dimitar Berbatov, former Manchester United star, presented him with his trophy for the little anecdote. And since the start of the season, he has been training with the English club’s U18s. He won’t play with them yet but“training with older players will help his development and give him new challenges” according to The Sun. For all observers, he has a bright future. The Sun speaks of a “great talent.” For his part, the Daily Mail wrote that “‘Kid Messi’ left coaches blown away by his talent.” *

Technically fine, precise in front of goal and capable of carrying out devastating dribbles, this winger born in 2010 is considered a gifted football player, who has the makings of a star for many. Very followed on Instagramsince he has more than 83,300 followers, he signed a big contract with Nike. The comma brand quickly enlisted him. Regarding his club future, FC Barcelona recently flirted with him. In fact, the Culés invited him to visit the Camp Nou and offered him tickets for a match, as well as a signed team jersey and a photo with Lamine Yamal. Another “heir” of Messi. But JJ Gabriel wants to make a name for himself alone and thanks to his talent, he who wants to avoid becoming yet another lost wonderkid.