Brazil
Malcom Filipe (Corinthians, Striker)
Raised in Buraco Quente, one of the toughest slums in Brazil’s biggest town, Malcom is hardly a rare case amongst his fellow footballers in coming from humble beginnings, but the courage he shows to attack full-backs and central defenders is far from common.
Gerson Santos da Silva (Fluminense, Attacking Midfielder)
A quick left-footed attacking midfielder who has attracted interest from a number of Europe’s top clubs. Juventus and Manchester City have both been mentioned. Gerson has already played for Brazil’s Under 20’s, despite only being 17.
Bulgaria
Bozhidar Kraev (Levski Sofia, Attacking Midfielder)
Promoted to Levski’s first team in the summer, he has already scored a hat-trick in the cup. Two-footed and industrious, he scored 70 goals in 60 games for the academy side, and reportedly came close to joining Barcelona as a result.
China
Li Zhongyi (Guangzhou Evergrande, Midfielder)
Strong, with an engine built for box-to-box activities, and a football brain that seems to take him into dangerous positions in the opposition penalty area. Already a home town hero, it is hoped he will become China’s first global star.
Colombia
Alveiro Sanchez (Deportivo Cali, Striker)
Top scorer with 36 goals in the Colombian Under 17s championship aged 15 and fast tracked into the Cali first team for his professional debut earlier this year. Quick, skilful, and undoubtedly the country’s brightest young talent.