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·31 December 2024

15 Academy Players Who Turned World-Class in Premier League

Article image:15 Academy Players Who Turned World-Class in Premier League

The Premier League has a rich tradition of nurturing young talent through its academy systems, with many players rising through the ranks to become global superstars. From iconic attacking talents to rock-solid defenders, here are 15 academy players who started their careers in Premier League youth systems and went on to achieve world-class status.

1. Wayne Rooney (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: Everton Academy
  • Position: Forward
  • Premier League Impact: Rooney burst onto the Premier League scene with Everton as a teenager before making a high-profile move to Manchester United. He became the club’s all-time top scorer, winning numerous Premier League titles, Champions League trophies, and domestic cups.

2. Ryan Giggs (Retire)

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  • Youth Academy: Manchester United Academy
  • Position: Winger
  • Premier League Impact: Giggs is one of the Premier League’s most iconic players, having spent his entire career at Manchester United. With 13 Premier League titles and 2 Champions League trophies, he became a symbol of longevity and excellence.

3. Gareth Bale (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: Southampton Academy
  • Position: Winger
  • Premier League Impact: Bale began his career at Southampton, but it was at Tottenham Hotspur where he truly rose to global stardom. His blistering pace and stunning goals made him one of the most feared wingers in the Premier League, earning a high-profile move to Real Madrid.

4. Paul Scholes (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: Manchester United Academy
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Premier League Impact: Scholes was the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield for over two decades. His vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability helped United win multiple Premier League titles, and he is often regarded as one of the best English midfielders of all time.

5. John Terry (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: Chelsea Academy
  • Position: Center-back
  • Premier League Impact: Terry captained Chelsea for many years, helping them to multiple Premier League and Champions League titles. One of the best center-backs of his generation, his leadership and defensive skills were central to Chelsea’s success during the 2000s and 2010s.

6. Steven Gerrard (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: Liverpool Academy
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Premier League Impact: Gerrard is Liverpool’s greatest-ever captain, known for his leadership, tenacity, and ability to perform in big moments. He became a global icon during his 17-year career at Liverpool, winning multiple Champions League and domestic titles, and cementing his legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders.

7. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

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  • Youth Academy: Tottenham Hotspur Academy
  • Position: Forward
  • Premier League Impact: Kane made his name at Spurs as a goal-scoring machine, breaking numerous records in the Premier League. His clinical finishing and ability to drop deep and create play have made him one of the top strikers in the world, earning a move to Bayern Munich in 2023.

8. Jack Wilshere (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: Arsenal Academy
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Premier League Impact: Wilshere was hailed as one of the most promising English midfielders of his generation. Though his career was marred by injuries, his early performances for Arsenal showcased his extraordinary technical ability and vision.

9. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

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  • Youth Academy: QPR (before joining Liverpool Academy)
  • Position: Winger
  • Premier League Impact: Sterling emerged as a dynamic winger for Liverpool before making a high-profile move to Manchester City. At City, he developed into one of the best wingers in the Premier League, winning multiple titles, including the Premier League and FA Cup.

10. Frank Lampard (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: West Ham United Academy
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Premier League Impact: Lampard began his career at West Ham but rose to superstardom at Chelsea, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. His ability to score from midfield, along with his leadership, helped Chelsea win numerous Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

11. Theo Walcott (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: Southampton Academy
  • Position: Winger/Forward
  • Premier League Impact: Walcott made his breakthrough at Southampton before joining Arsenal, where he became known for his blistering pace and versatility. His time at Arsenal was marked by many memorable moments and important goals, particularly in the FA Cup.

12. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

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  • Youth Academy: Manchester City Academy
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Premier League Impact: Foden is one of the brightest talents to come through Manchester City’s Academy youth ranks. A key figure in Pep Guardiola’s system, his vision, dribbling, and technical ability have made him one of the most exciting young players in the League today.

13. Cesc Fàbregas (Retired)

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  • Youth Academy: La Masia, but rose to prominence at Arsenal
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Premier League Impact: Fàbregas became Arsenal’s captain at a young age and was one of the most talented playmakers in the League. His vision, passing range, and leadership helped define Arsenal’s midfield during the late 2000s and early 2010s before he moved on to Chelsea.

14. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

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  • Youth Academy: Manchester City Academy
  • Position: Winger
  • Premier League Impact: Sancho made his name at Manchester City’s youth academy before moving to Borussia Dortmund, where he became one of Europe’s most exciting young players. Upon returning to the League with Manchester United, Sancho showed glimpses of his exceptional talent.

15. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

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  • Youth Academy: Manchester United Academy
  • Position: Forward/Winger
  • Premier League Impact: Rashford made a sensational breakthrough at Manchester United, scoring twice on his debut against Midtjylland in the Europa League. His pace, directness, and eye for goal have made him a key figure for United and one of England’s top attacking talents.
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