Kobbie Mainoo’s remarkable talent has thrust him into the limelight, earning him a coveted spot on the prestigious NXGN 2024 list, which recognizes the 50 most promising young football talents worldwide.
Despite his tender age of 18, Mainoo has made a notable impact at Manchester United this season, particularly in midfield under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
His impressive performances, highlighted by 20 appearances for The Reds this season, have attracted widespread attention and praise, leading to a call-up to the England national team by manager Gareth Southgate.
There is eager anticipation surrounding the possibility of Mainoo making his debut for the Three Lions in the upcoming match against Brazil, further solidifying his growing reputation in the footballing realm.
Mainoo’s rapid rise has firmly established him among the top emerging talents in football, as evidenced by his inclusion in GOAL’s prestigious NXGN rankings.
This annual list recognizes and celebrates the most promising young players globally, having previously identified stars like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.
In this year’s edition, Mainoo holds the distinction of being ranked as the seventh-best player born on or after January 1, 2005, with Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal leading the pack.
Notably, he shares the rankings with other exceptional talents such as Endrick, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Mathys Tel, further underscoring the elite caliber of players he is associated with.
Adding to the intrigue is the close proximity of another rising star who is linked with a potential move to Manchester United. Roony Bardghji, representing FC Copenhagen, occupies the 13th position in the rankings.
Bardghji, a talented forward who notably scored against United in the Champions League earlier this season, has been attracting interest from various clubs across Europe.
Speculation regarding a transfer for the 18-year-old has intensified, particularly with Manchester United reportedly among the suitors.
This speculation gained momentum following comments from FC Copenhagen’s sporting director, Peter Christiansen, who acknowledged Bardghji’s strong candidacy for a potential summer move, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon for both players.
