FIFA U-17 Players who made it big

The iconic Brazilian forward, who became the world's most expensive player this summer, was a prodigy at a very young age. He played for the Brazilian team in the U-17 FIFA World Cup, 2009 in Nigeria. It was here he made a name for himself and gained global recognition when he scored a sensational goal against Japan, and was soon dubbed as the next Pele. He went on to become an integral part of the famed Barcelona trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. He made only three appearances for the U17 team, before he was drafted to the U20, and then U23 before eventually turning out for the senior team.

Iniesta represented Spain in the 2001 U-17 FIFA World Cup and played alongside Fernando Torres. The two went on to achieve great things at the club level as well as the national level. Iniesta played a key role, and scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final to help Spain lift its first World Cup title. He was a key member of the Spanish team that dominated world football, and won two European Championships and a FIFA World Cup between 2008 and 2012.

The legendary Ronaldinho was a star for Brazil right since the 1997 U-17 FIFA World Cup, where he helped his team clinch the trophy. Ronaldinho then moved to the Gremio senior team in 1998, before signing for PSG in 2001. However, his move to Barcelona in 2003 was when Ronaldinho became a footballing icon, where he dazzled everyone with his skills and also played an instrumental role in the development of Lionel Messi.

Toni Kroos played for Germany in the 2007 U-17 FIFA World Cup and won the prestigious Golden Ball, for being the most outstanding player in the tournament. He scored five goals and delivered five assists in the tournament. Soon after the World Cup, Kroos became the youngest ever player to play for Bayern Munich. Kroos later went onto win the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014, and has also lifted the Champions League with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Fabregas played in the 2003 U-17 FIFA World Cup made a bang as he was the joint top-scorer in the tournament. He impressed Arsene Wenger and made his debut at Arsenal within a couple of months and became the youngest player to appear for the club. He subsequently became the youngest goalscorer for Arsenal. He went on to play for the senior Spain side and eventually lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

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The iconic Brazilian forward, who became the world's most expensive player this summer, was a prodigy at a very young age. He played for the Brazilian team in the U-17 FIFA World Cup, 2009 in Nigeria. It was here he made a name for himself and gained global recognition when he scored a sensational goal against Japan, and was soon dubbed as the next Pele. He went on to become an integral part of the famed Barcelona trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. He made only three appearances for the U17 team, before he was drafted to the U20, and then U23 before eventually turning out for the senior team.