Unstoppable, MU has secured the 'next Neymar'

The 14-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel is electrifying the Manchester United academy. His outstanding technique and extraordinary potential have earned him the nickname “Kid Messi” for this new era at Old Trafford.

JJ Gabriel is a 14-year-old boy who enjoys video games and can be shy around strangers, but once he steps onto the pitch, his extraordinary talent immediately shines through. With the ball at his feet, Gabriel stands out as a true phenomenon within the Manchester United academy.

Gabriel is currently a rising star in the Red Devils' youth system. Many youth football followers believe he could become the greatest talent ever produced by the MU academy, a bold claim given the legendary players the club has developed in the past.

At just 14 years old, Gabriel already has over 200,000 Instagram followers and a sponsorship deal with Nike. Coaches at the academy describe him as a “flawless gem,” with almost no weaknesses despite frequently playing above his age group.

Gabriel’s idol is Neymar, and some of his goals remind people of the Brazilian striker at his peak. Last weekend, during the U18 match against Man City, Gabriel dribbled past the defense, deceived the defender with a clever feint, and struck the ball into the corner of the net—a goal that quickly went viral on social media.

Gabriel’s talent has crossed England’s borders. Several top European clubs have been closely monitoring him, and one major club almost secured his signature this past summer. At an urgent meeting at Carrington, both sporting director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada were present, demonstrating how highly MU values Gabriel. Ultimately, after being convinced he could become the “face of the club,” Gabriel chose to stay in Manchester.

According to regulations, clubs can recruit players aged 14 to 16, but Gabriel has committed to staying for at least two more years. However, as he grows, he will undoubtedly continue to be a sought-after target for many top clubs, especially since he holds a European passport through his parents.

MU understands they possess a precious gem. The club even arranged for Gabriel to meet coach Ruben Amorim. During their talk, Amorim shared his football philosophy and recounted the story of Cristiano Ronaldo (who was always the first to arrive and last to leave training) to emphasize the importance of hard work.

Gabriel also embodies that spirit. He maintains a professional athlete’s diet, recovery, and training routine, waking up at 6 a.m. daily to nurture his dream. Last summer, he attended a Nike training camp in Marbella alongside Sandro Tonali and Danny Ings. When Marcus Rashford left MU to join Aston Villa on loan transfer Gabriel expressed gratitude for the guidance he received on penalty kicks from his senior. Goalkeeper Andre Onana also sent him a video wishing him a speedy recovery from a shoulder injury. Professional players are often surprised when they learn Gabriel’s true age.

MU invited the boy to have a “VIP box” at the new Old Trafford stadium, expected to be completed by 2030, and he has sat in the directors’ seats to watch the opening Premier League match against Arsenal.

This reflects Gabriel’s huge commercial appeal. He was once the subject of a bidding war between Adidas and Nike, with Nike ultimately winning the contract—rare for a 14-year-old to spark such fierce competition between two sports giants.

MU tries to temper expectations so Gabriel can focus on football. When asked about this young talent, former academy director Nick Cox tactfully avoided answering, but such questions will arise more frequently in the future. Gabriel’s close circle isn’t worried about him “becoming famous too soon” because family and friends keep him grounded; to them, he is simply “JJ.”

Gabriel has the mental strength to succeed. After every game at Carrington, he quickly forgets what happened on the pitch, a trait many great players possess. Still, Gabriel remains passionate about football and cherishes the feeling of giving his all on the field.

U18 coach Darren Fletcher is praised for how he manages Gabriel, always allowing him to hold the ball and showcase his abilities. Whether playing centrally or drifting left, the outcome is the same: Gabriel breaks through defenses and scores.

This young player has already scored 7 goals in 6 matches for the U18s and recently scored for the U17s midweek. Gabriel’s ball control technique is considered extraordinary, and his finishing ability far exceeds that of a typical 14-year-old.

Once nicknamed “Kid Messi” by online fans after viral skill videos, Gabriel seems to be on the path of a true prodigy.

Fans are beginning to wonder when Gabriel will debut for the first team. If he maintains his current form, he could break the record for the youngest player to appear for MU in the Premier League, currently held by Angel Gomes (16 years and 263 days). Looking further ahead, Gabriel might even surpass Ethan Nwaneri’s Premier League record (15 years and 181 days).

While Arsenal and Liverpool are showcasing bright talents like Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha, many believe JJ Gabriel is the most precious “diamond” among England’s young footballers.

It’s no coincidence that Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada personally attended the meeting to retain this boy, or that MU has already reserved a prestigious seat for Gabriel at the new Old Trafford, where they hope he will one day become the next symbol of Manchester United.

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