#2 Gabriel Jesus
The recent attacking icons of Brazil like Ronaldinho and Ronaldo had started out playing street football before moving up the ladder. Gabriel Jesus has followed a similar trajectory moving from street football to an amateur club called Associação Atlética Anhanguera before being snapped up by Palmeiras in 2013.
A prolific year in the youth squad led to his rapid introduction to the senior squad but due to the club’s relegation-threatening season, his debut was delayed until March 2015, a decision heavily criticised and petitioned by supporters.
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In his first full campaign in 2015-2016, the youngster became an integral part of the squad notching up 20 goals in 41 games, enough to convince Pep Guardiola and Manchester City to spend £27 million for his services.
Dubbed the next Neymar, Jesus has since been called up to the national team. Missing out on a Copa America berth due to visa issues, he made up with an Olympic gold medal and has since impressed playing alongside Neymar, scoring a brace and grabbing an assist in his debut for the senior squad against Ecuador.
The winger cum forward will be joining Premier League side Manchester City in January 2017 and a potential link up with the likes of Sergio Aguero, De Bruyne, and David Silva is an enticing prospect for the City fans and neutrals alike.
