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Emerging footballers do not get a bigger stage to showcase their talents than the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The U-17 competition is held in high regard in the world with the prestigious tournament giving a platform to hundreds of talented players every two years. India will host the U-17 World Cup in October with future superstars of the sport set to feature.
Numerous legends of the game and present world-class players have started their journey by representing their country at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Many have gone onto continue on the same path and won the FIFA World Cup for their respective nations - a prize which is considered as the biggest honour in the game.
On that note, let's take a look at the FIFA World Cup-winning players who also played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in previous editions.
#1 Gianluigi Buffon
Considered as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, Gianluigi Buffon began his stellar career by representing Italy at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan. Italy had a tough time in Japan and sadly went out in the group stage itself. But Buffon took great strides in his career and is considered as a Juventus and an Italy legend. His best moment came in 2006 when Italy beat France in the World Cup final and became world champions.
#2 Francesco Totti
A teammate of Buffon in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, Totti scored the only goal for Italy in the competition. He became known for his perfection in a trequartista role and became an epitome of loyalty at AS Roma. Totti played a crucial role in Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph and was eventually named in the team of the tournament.
#3 Iker Casillas
"San Iker" featured for Spain at the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was the youngest Spaniard in the competition and helped his side finish third in the event. Casillas became one of the best in the world during his 16-year stay with Real Madrid.
Spain won the 2010 World Cup under his captaincy, which was the country's first time winning the game's biggest prize. He also won five La Liga titles and three European titles with Real Madrid.
#4 Xavi Hernandez
The midfield maestro represented Spain at the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Egypt. Though Xavi did not win the trophy, he made up for it during his illustrious career with FC Barcelona.
He is considered as one of the best midfielders of all time and played a crucial role in Spain's 2010 World Cup win. Xavi is also in the elite list of being one of the most decorated players of all time.
#5 Ronaldinho
The Brazilian superstar took his first steps in making his country proud at the 1997 Egypt FIFA U-17 World Cup. He made his debut in a 7-0 win over Austria and also scored in that match.
Ronaldinho won the 2002 World Cup and was one of the best players of the tournament. He scored that famous free kick against England in the same tourney. The Dazzler won two Ballon d'Or's and also the Champions League back in 2006.
#6 Andres Iniesta
Xavi's partner in crime, Andres Iniesta played in the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted in Trinidad and Tobago. Iniesta is considered as one of the best in his position and has played a huge role in Barcelona's dominance in the last decade or so.
He won the 2010 World Cup with Spain and most importantly, scored the winner in the final against Netherlands. It was and will always be considered as the nation's most loved goal.
#7 Fernando Torres
Torres accompanied Andres Iniesta in the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He started off at Atletico Madrid but achieved his peak with Liverpool. He scored in the 2008 Euros final and came third in the Ballon d'Or race that year.
In 2010, he won the World Cup with Spain and followed that with another win in the 2012 Euros. "El Nino" is one of the most loved strikers in Spain and is considered as one of the most talented players ever produced by Atletico Madrid.
#8 Cesc Fabregas
Playing in midfield, Cesc Fabregas ended the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup as the tournament's top scorer with five goals. A move to Arsenal followed and he became one of the best playmakers during his spell in the Premier League.
He won league titles with FC Barcelona and Chelsea but Fabregas's most memorable achievement came in the form of Spain's 2010 World Cup glory. It was Fabregas who provided the assist for Iniesta's winner in the grand finale.
#9 Toni Kroos
The German midfielder featured in the 2007 U-17 World Cup and has since gone on to be considered as one of the most graceful players to watch on a football field. Kroos is a crucial cog for Real Madrid and has won numerous titles with Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Kroos also won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with him being one of the scorers in that 7-1 crushing of the hosts in the semifinals.
#10 Mario Gotze
The Borussia Dortmund playmaker started his career in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was one of the best players in the tournament and soon became a regular for the Bundesliga giants.
His goal in the final against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup is still considered as one of the most talked about moments in recent history. He came on as a substitute and won his country another world championship which made him a national favourite.
