Every World Cup is marked by some exciting young talent but not all hot prospects from the 2018 edition went on to bigger and better things after participating in Russia.
It’s a major demonstration of faith from any World Cup manager to take a promising youngster to the finals, often at the expense of experience, and the decision of some 2018 bosses looks even more inspired with the passage of time.
We’ve investigated just what became of the 10 youngest players at the World Cup in Russia four-and-a-half years ago.
Lee Seung-woo (South Korea)
Former Barcelona youth-team prospect Seung-woo was named in South Korea’s 2018 squad but isn’t in Qatar this time around.
The attacking midfielder, who was at Verona during the last tournament, has spent time subsequently in both Belgium and Portugal before returning to his homeland and Suwon FC.
Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
Frequently linked with a multi-million move to one of the Premier League elite, Sarr has definitely blossomed since his participation in Senegal’s doomed campaign in Russia.
The winger started all three matches as Senegal were eliminated by Japan for receiving more yellow cards and has since established as one of English football’s most exciting talents at Watford.
Sarr has become even more important for club and country after Watford’s relegation and Sadio Mane’s World Cup-curtailing injury. He’s one of the undoubted success stories on our list.
Ismaila Sarr vs West Brom#WatfordFC #WBA pic.twitter.com/RSYLn9LuMc
— How’d he score that😱 (@Howhescoreftbl) August 8, 2022
Ian Smith (Costa Rica)
The very Costa Rican-sounding Smith earnt himself a place in Costa Rica’s 2018 side with some fine performances for Swedish top-division side IFK Norrkoping.
But, as far as we can tell, the defender didn’t play for the national side once the year was out and is currently turning out for Alajuelense in his home country.
Jose Luis Rodriguez (Panama)
Panama qualified for their first finals in 2018 and, after building his reputation at Belgian side Gent, Rodriguez earnt himself a plane ticket to Russia at the tender age of 19.
And, while Panama lost all three group matches, Rodriguez caught the eye with his left-wing performances and won himself a move to La Liga regulars Alaves.
The 24-year-old currently plays for Portuguese side Famalicao and has won 38 caps for his country.
Moussa Wague (Senegal)
Wague’s committed performances at the World Cup, including becoming the youngest…
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