Rafael & Fabio Da SilvaFluminense 2005
Twins Rafael and Fabio were born in 1990 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Talented defenders with a burning desire to play, they proved an impressive combination for Fluminense at the MUPC World Finals in Hong Kong and helped their team secure the World title. Manchester United and Fluminense agreed a deal and, by January 2008, the “Brazilian Nevilles” arrived in Manchester. The twins made their United debut in August 2008 against Peterborough.
“Robinho” Robson de SouzaSantos 1999
Born in Sao Vicente in 1984 Robinho’s prodigious talents were spotted early in life and he signed his first contract with a local football academy at just six years-of-age. At the age of nine, he scored 73 goals in one season of futsal.
He joined Santos’ Youth Programme under Brazilian football legend Pelé, and made his professional debut for the club at just 16 years-of-age. Robinho helped Santos to two Brazilian championships before joining Real Madrid in 2005, the same year he added the FIFA Confederations Cup to his list of honours.
His shock £32.5m transfer to Manchester City ahead of his expected move to Chelsea in September 2008 set a new British record. Robinho scored on his debut — against Chelsea — and added his first hat-trick for the club just weeks later.
On the international stage, Robinho has represented his country since he was just 19 years of age. He was voted Tournament MVP as member of the 2007 Brazil squad that stunned bitter rivals Argentina 3-0 to secure their eighth Copa America title. His hat trick in the 3-0 win against Chile also secured the award as Top Scorer.
Fernando José Torres SanzAtlético Madrid 1999, MVP
“I really loved my Premier Cup experience with Atlético because it gave me and my team-mates a taste of what life as a professional footballer would be like. The chance for kids to play against teams from all over Europe is just incredible. If I could give them some advice it would be to listen and learn, play with passion and try their best every minute of every game.”
‘el Nino’ Fernando Torres was Tournament MVP in Reggio Emilia, Italy, when Atlético were crowned Premier Cup European Champions.
Voted Best Player and Top Scorer at both the European U-16 & U-19 Championships, Torres made his La Liga debut at just 17 years-of-age. Two years later he became the youngest club captain in Atletico’s history and made his international debut against Portugal.
A key member of the national team during Euro 2004 and the main striker for Spain during the 2006 World Cup, Torres became the most expensive Spanish football player in history when he moved to English Premiership team Liverpool in the summer of 2007. He soon became a firm favourite with fans and was voted Liverpool’s Young Player of the Year.
One of an incredible SIX Premier Cup “old boys” leading Spain to their first European Championship since 1964, (alongside Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas and Reyes) Torres won Man of the Match after scoring a memorable goal in the final to secure the 2008 Euro Champs title.
Rafael has since been a regular either on the bench or in the starting line-up, and scored his first goal for the club against Arsenal in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium. He has constantly impressed with his skill to surge forwards past defenders, as well as his strength in shielding the ball.
A shoulder injury limited Fabio’s early opportunities for first team play, but he has demonstrated the same passion and talent as his brother.
Both Rafael and Fabio have represented their country at U-17. Fabio captained the team and earned the title of top scorer in the U-17 World Cup Finals in Korea in 2007.
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