Manchester United fans are already tipping an academy sensation to become one of the best players in the world, with the 14-year-old being dubbed the 'next Neymar'
Steven Railston and Neil Docking
12:52, 13 Oct 2025
Manchester United's JJ Gabriel celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal of the game during the Under 18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Middlesbrough U18s at Carrington Training Ground on August 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
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Gabriel has committed his future to United until he turns 16(Image: Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images)
JJ Gabriel may seem like your typical teenager, enjoying video games and gradually opening up to people he gets to know.
However, his extraordinary talent becomes apparent the moment he steps onto a football pitch, demonstrating skills far beyond the ordinary with a ball at his feet. Gabriel is currently making waves in Manchester United's academy. And while the Daily Star's sister paper the Manchester Evening News typically refrains from spotlighting such young players, the buzz surrounding Gabriel's potential in youth football circles is hard to ignore.
Some followers of the academy even suggest he could be the most promising talent the academy has ever nurtured. Such a prediction is no small feat, considering the illustrious alumni who have preceded Gabriel, who already boasts more than 200,000 followers on Instagram and a sponsorship deal with Nike.
Academy coaches who have had the privilege of working with Gabriel are in awe of his skillset, struggling to pinpoint any weaknesses despite him playing several years above his age group. A self-proclaimed Neymar fan, some of Gabriel's goals bear a striking resemblance to the Brazilian superstar at his best.
Just last weekend, during an Under-18 match, Gabriel elegantly manoeuvred into the penalty area, fooled a Manchester City defender with a deft shimmy, and found the corner of the net. The clip has since garnered thousands of views on social media.
Manchester United's JJ Gabriel has a shot on goal during the Under 18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Middlesbrough U18s at Carrington Training Ground on August 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
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JJ Gabriel's talent is there for all to see(Image: Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images)
News of Gabriel's prodigious talent has already made its way around the globe. Top European clubs have been keeping a close eye on his development, and there were even whispers of the teenager leaving United last summer.
Advanced discussions were held with a major European club, and a last-minute meeting took place at Carrington in an effort to retain Gabriel. It's believed that Jason Wilcox (director of football) and Omar Berrada (CEO) were in attendance, indicating the high esteem in which Gabriel is held.
United emphasised Gabriel could become the face of the club, and it was ultimately agreed that the teenage prodigy would stay in Manchester - the player's final decision was crucial.
There are opportunities for rival clubs to snatch academy players at ages 14 and 16. Gabriel has pledged his future to United for at least another two years, but interest from Europe's top clubs will only grow as he matures, particularly given that he holds a European passport through his parents.
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United recognise they have a unique talent in Gabriel and recently introduced him to Ruben Amorim. During their conversation, Amorim discussed his philosophy and highlighted the importance of hard work, even sharing a story about Cristiano Ronaldo as an illustration.
Amorim, who played alongside Ronaldo for the Portuguese national team, shared tales of Ronaldo's dedication - he was always the first to arrive for training and the last to leave.
Gabriel is not lacking in commitment. He already lives like a devoted professional athlete, focusing on his diet and recovery sessions, and rises at 6am most days to make his dream come true.
Over the summer, Gabriel trained at a Nike camp in Marbella alongside Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and ex-Liverpool striker Danny Ings. When Marcus Rashford made his loan move to Aston Villa in January, Gabriel expressed his gratitude for the penalty practice sessions they had together at Carrington.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the U18's Premier League match between Derby County and Manchester United at Moor Farm Training Centre on August 30, 2025 in Derby, England.
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JJ Gabriel is the name every Manchester United fan should be aware of now(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
During his recovery from a shoulder injury last year, he received a heartwarming "get well soon" video from Andre Onana. Even seasoned players are taken aback when they discover his tender age.
Gabriel has been offered a box at the new Old Trafford, set to be completed by 2030, and was even invited to watch the Premier League opener against Arsenal from the directors' box.
The fact that brands are already clamouring to work with Gabriel speaks volumes about his potential. Adidas showed interest in him before Nike managed to outbid the German company.
Adidas were initially leading the race to sign Gabriel, but a last-minute effort from Nike secured the deal - not many 14 year olds can ignite a bidding war between two sportswear giants.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the U18's Premier League match between Derby County and Manchester United at Moor Farm Training Centre on August 30, 2025 in Derby, England.
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The 14-year-old bagged a 22-minute hattrick in the under-18s Premier League(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
United are keen to manage expectations to allow Gabriel to concentrate on his football. When asked about Gabriel during an interview earlier this year, former academy director Nick Cox tactfully redirected the conversation.
His successor will likely face similar questions.
Those close to Gabriel aren't worried about keeping him grounded. With strong family support and a tight-knit circle of friends, those closest to him ensure he doesn't get carried away.
To them, he's simply JJ.
Gabriel has the right mindset to carve out a successful career in football. He's able to switch off from the game just moments after stepping off the pitch at Carrington, a trait shared by many top professionals - the ability to separate their on-pitch performance from their personal lives.
JJ Gabriel celebrating a for Manchester United
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Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel is only 14 years old(Image: Manchester United)
Yet, Gabriel's passion for playing and entertaining with the ball is undeniable.
Darren Fletcher, who took over as U18 manager this summer, has been praised for his management of Gabriel this season, encouraging him to be on the ball as much as possible.
Whether he's played centrally or from the left, Gabriel's impact remains consistent: he slices through opposition defences and finds the back of the net.
His performances might even boost MUTV subscriptions, as fans clamour to watch him play.
The young player's ball control is outstanding, and his finishing prowess is impressive for his age. With seven goals in six Under-18 appearances and a recent goal for the Under-17s, Gabriel's talent is clear.
He even earned the nickname 'Kid Messi' after videos of his training and skills went viral on social media during his younger years, and Lionel Messi himself would likely approve of his footwork.
Speculation is already rife among fans about when Gabriel might make his senior debut, and it seems increasingly likely that he could become United's youngest-ever Premier League player.
Angel Gomes (16 years, 263 days), Shola Shoretire (17 years, 19 days) and Chido Obi (17 years, 79 days) hold the record as the youngest players to debut for United in the Premier League.
Gabriel has the potential to shatter that record, and he might even surpass the Premier League record held by Ethan Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days). Max Dowman (15 years, 235 days) is the second youngest.
Mikel Arteta has put his trust in Nwaneri and Dowman at Arsenal, while Liverpool's promising young talent Rio Ngumoha recently netted a goal on his senior debut at the age of 16 years and 361 days.
Dowman and Ngumoha have dazzled spectators this season, providing a thrilling preview of the future of English football. However, many believe Gabriel could be the standout star.
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There's a reason why Wilcox and Berrada were part of the summer meeting to retain Gabriel, and why the young player has been offered a private box at the new Old Trafford.
He's a once-in-a-generation prospect - and the best is yet to come from this extraordinarily talented teenager.