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      Chelsea legend Pat Nevin is now a hipster DJ playing at a club night in trendy East London

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      HE used to be famed for leaving defenders in a spin, so what Pat Nevin did after football must’ve come natural.The Chelsea and Everton legend, who bamboozled all with his tricky wing play in the 80s and 90s is now a DJ playing for hipster crowds in London.
      Pat Nevin is now a part-time DJ
      Nevin, 59, previously had a regular spot playing at The Victoria in Dalston at a trendy club night called Scared to Dance, which was previously at the Shacklewell Arms.
      He also appeared at the 2015 Shiiine On Weekender festival alongside the likes of Happy Mondays playing tracks by indie artists including The Smiths, Pulp and New Order.
      And he recently revealed to his Twitter followers that he is returning to the decks, writing: Just a quick heads up to say I’m DJing for the first time in ages on the 21st of January at the Shacklewell in Dalston. Pop in if your (sic) around and feel free to have a chat too!”
      Busy Nevin previously managed to juggle his new career alongside his football commitments, working as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live.
      He revealed how he first caught the music bug.
      Nevin said: “I’ve been DJing for years and years. Forever really. I come from Glasgow, and before I left it was a hotbed of music,” he told the Noisey.
      “The whole Postcard Records thing was blowing up, and things were really happening. I had been listening to John Peel since I was 14, every night lying on my bed with headphones on.
      “I was just a muso, that’s all I was. Eventually I started DJing. Even when I was playing football for Chelsea I was doing it.
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      The EX Chelsea player plays at a club night in trendy East LondonCredit: Instagram
      Nevin’s name appears on the flyer for Scared to Dance, which was formerly at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, East LondonCredit: Instagram
      His setlist features bands including New Order, Pulp and The SmithsCredit: Instagram
      Nevin has played alongside established names like Happy Mondays and Stereo MC’sCredit: Handout
      He manages to juggle a DJ career alongside being a football punditCredit: Reuters
      “I’m asked loads now, and can only accept about 1 in 5 of the offers I get.”
      Having often performed DJ sets over the weekend, it wasn’t uncommon for Nevin to be playing until the early hours and then heading to a football match to work for the BBC.
      “It is totally and utterly mental,” he laughed. “None of it fits together. I’m knackered.”
      When he was a player at Chelsea in the mid 80s, Nevin wrote a music column in the club newspaper. One day he sent a letter to the late DJ John Peel asking him for an interview.
      While at Chelsea, Nevin had his own music columnCredit: Instagram
      He once wrote to BBC DJ John Peel for an interviewCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nevin later scored himself a secret production job on Peel’s BBC Radio showCredit: Instagram
      “Although, when you are playing football you can’t be spinning tunes until 3am in the morning, because you have to take care of yourself a wee bit.
      Not only did he get an interview, he also scored himself a production job alongside his football career.
      “We became great mates,” he revealed. “I used to sit in on his show quite a bit, making production notes.”
      “But they never really mentioned that I was hanging about. You’d think people would comment on there being a famous footballer there but nobody knew, and that was the way I liked it.”
      And Nevin confessed he once asked to be subbed at half-time during a game so he could catch a gig by his favourite band, Cocteau Twins.
      At Chelsea, Nevin was a fan favouriteCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But when the winger was playing for the Blues, he asked if he could be subbed so he could get to a gig on timeCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Nevin admitted he loved travelling around Europe seeing bandsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Nevin has enjoyed life since hanging up his boots in 2000Credit: Les Gallagher – The Sun Glasgow
      “It was pre-season at Chelsea and I said, ‘I will sign your contract if you take me off at half time next Friday night because they’re playing Festival Hall.’
      “I was quite adamant, and the manager agreed to it. ‘You’re off your head, but fine.’
      “We weren’t flashy back then, but we did train near Heathrow so sometimes I would hit a gig on a weeknight – get a last minute ticket and fly off somewhere.
      “So it might be a gig in France, Berlin, Scotland. I would stay in a crap hotel, fly back the next day for training. Nobody was any the wiser.” More

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      Wenger names Cole as the player he regretted selling most & says Arsenal transfer exit was over ‘a few thousand pounds’

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      ARSENE WENGER regrets not holding on to Ashley Cole when he made the move from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006.Cole was an England international and a pivotal player for the Gunners – and arguably someone they failed to replace.
      Ashley Cole was part of Arsenal’s Invincibles team but left the club in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
      Arsene Wenger regrets letting Ashley Cole leave for ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      And his career reached great heights after making the move across London, winning the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup on four occasions.
      But Arsenal could have kept him had they offered him more than the reported £55,000-a-week contract renewal.

      Cole was believed to have received a deal worth £120,000 a week from Chelsea and Wenger regrets not matching the Blues’ offer.
      He previously told beIN Sports: “The player I think internally was a mistake to lose was Ashley Cole.
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      “Cole came out of the [academy]. It was a misunderstanding for a few thousand pounds.”
      William Gallas came in on an exchange deal for Cole and later became Arsenal captain, although then left for rivals Tottenham.
      Gael Clichy later performed well at left-back for the Gunners and earned a move to Manchester City.
      There were a number of high-profile exits during Wenger’s tenure, such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
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      Wenger also let Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor leave at the height of their goalscoring form – moves that dented Arsenal’s title ambitions.
      Cesc Fabregas is another star who left when at his peak in an Arsenal shirt, as did Samir Nasri.
      Although it seems that Wenger believes he had a realistic shot at keeping hold of Cole, which is perhaps why his exit still pains him so much. More

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      Man Utd Treble winner looks unrecognisable with long hair and beard after retiring and opening up a pizzeria

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S famous Treble-winning triumph from the 1998-99 season will go down as one of the club’s greatest ever achievements.Sir Alex Ferguson led his Red Devils to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in a remarkable fortnight nearly 24 years ago.
      Blomqvist was a part of United’s legendary Treble-winning teamCredit: Reuters
      He now looks totally different – here he is with fellow ex-Man Utd player Mikael SilvestreCredit: Instagram @jesperblomqvistofficial
      The names that immediately spring to mind from that side are the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Teddy Sheringham, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.
      But one man who many may have forgotten is Swedish midfielder Jesper Blomqvist.
      He made 25 Premier League appearances in that momentous season and also collected an FA Cup winners medal despite being an unused substitute in the final.
      Blomqvist then started the Champions League final against Bayern Munich before being taken off for Teddy Sheringham – who would go on to score the equalising goal.
      Shortly after United’s European triumph Blomqvist suffered a serious knee injury and never played for the club again.
      And Man Utd fans may find it incredibly difficult to recognise him these days as he looks completely different to when he was gracing the Old Trafford pitch more than two decades ago.
      Blomqvist is rocking a ponytail, beard, and does not possess the vibrant blonde hair he once had as a player.
      What’s more, after a brief attempt at management, he has now found a new passion as he runs his own pizzeria.
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      Ferguson signed him from Parma ahead of the 1998-99 campaignCredit: PA:Press Association
      Blomqvist now looks a much-changed man 22 years on from that iconic Man Utd seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He now has his own pizzeria having gone into the industry after a brief stint managing in football
      Speaking to The Telegraph about his new life previously, he said: “I have to say it is tough when people ask me in the beginning, ‘What are you doing?’ And I say, ‘I have a pizzeria’. It was tough that people look down at you.
      “Then I have to explain it’s the best pizzeria! Now I don’t care. People seem to be saying, ‘Are you down there? Have you lost all your money?’ I couldn’t care less.
      “I can understand it and feel it myself. It’s not a problem. It’s just me who has to work with myself. Footballers have been very spoiled. It’s very easy to lose perspective and to get carried away and this money can destroy players.
      “It’s the way it is, you have to learn to handle it and it’s difficult. I am so happy I was brought up in the north of Sweden where you keep your feet on the ground and you have to work hard.”
      Blomqvist, 48, also explained why he decided to pack in management after just two years – where he coached Swedish sides Enkoping and Hammarby IF.
      “Putting the team in front and not taking into consideration the human being behind the player – for me, that was the toughest challenge,” he added.

      “I tend to look more at the human being. Ferguson was good at that. When it comes to winning games you can’t care about the human being.
      “You have to be ruthless and sometimes I missed that. That’s my nature and it is hard to change.”
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      Blomqvist was back in a United shirt last summer.
      He joined up with several other familiar names to line-up for Man Utd Legends against their Liverpool counterparts – but they suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Reds. More

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      Former Premier League ace Marvin Sordell reveals how hitting ‘breaking point’ with mental health forced him to retire

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      FOR MARVIN SORDELL, retirement was a matter of life or death – quite literally.A career that started at Watford in 2009 and ended in July 2019 with Burton Albion is now over, but not because of a niggling injury, nor because of a ripped-up contract.
      Marvin Sordell retired in 2019 after a ten-year careerCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      Sordell admits the football industry had a huge impact on his mental healthCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      Sordell spoke to SunSport’s Jordan Davies after announcing his retirementCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      At just 28, it was an early exit born from crippling depression, deteriorating mental health and a serious concern for his own well-being.
      Having attempted suicide in 2013, Sordell is brave enough to admit that another season of football in England’s third tier could have prompted a second attempt.
      Speaking to SunSport this summer, he said: “I was pretty much at breaking point. And for me, the breaking point is suicidal thoughts.
      “Removing myself from this situation was the best thing to do regardless of the football.
      “When you’re suffering from mental health and something is a big trigger then you need to do what you can to get rid of that.
      “Moving on has certainly made me feel a lot happier and it has taken a big weight off my shoulders. I feel free. I can now control my own narrative.”
      Sordell had been trying to retire for years; the pressures of modern day professional football and a cut-throat industry over a ten-year career taking its toll.
      It reached the point where he admitted to being more afraid of success than failure.
      But through a fear of the unknown and a desire not to give up on the game he loves, he would battle on.
      This time was different, however. Sordell was secretly omitted from Burton’s pre-season due to what we now know to be ‘anxiety and depression’.
      Sordell broke through at Watford in 2009 as a promising young strikerCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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      He simply couldn’t bring himself to turn up, let alone train – and in the last few months of his last season, after returning from a dire loan spell at Northampton, a reliance on alcohol to numb the pain really hit home.
      He continued: “To be drinking 7, 8, 9 or ten days in a row, I clearly knew I wasn’t happy.
      “After a while it just eats up at you, chips away slowly, slowly, slowly. It’s the industry rather than the game.
      “Everything is based on opinions. Someone’s opinion of you doesn’t match up to what you think your ability or worth is.
      “And then you find yourself in a position and place worse than you could ever imagine.
      “Up until two or three years ago if something happened in a game or in the changing room, I wouldn’t be able to leave the house all weekend. Emotionally I would feel so vulnerable.
      “Playing the game is what I’ve loved to do, always, since I was a little boy and I still love playing and I would still want to play in some capacity.
      “It’s just being a professional football player at this current moment in time, I don’t enjoy.”
      Sordell was supposed to be this country’s next great talent after cruising through the Hornet’s academy and into the Championship.
      Sordell also represented Team GB at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      An England U21 call-up came next before a chance to represent Team GB at the Olympics in 2012 under Stuart Pearce – the only coach he claims to have every fully understood him.
      But somewhere along the line he became lost. The expectation. The big money move to Premier League side Bolton in 2013. The scrutiny. The depression. The feeling of abandonment. The racism.
      Sordell admitted: “Throughout my career I found there was a perception of black players being lazy, flash, arrogant, ungrateful and have an attitude problem.
      “Because of this, we have to do more, work harder and be less outspoken than our ethnic counterparts in order to be presented with an opportunity that is of equal standing.”
      Yet sitting in the George IV pub in Lichfield, Staffordshire, days after announcing his retirement while speaking to Sun Sport two years ago, what is so striking is Sordell’s lack of anger or bitterness towards those he could quite rightly claim let him down in his time of need.
      He smiles: “I’m not angry. I’m disappointed in myself sometimes, I could have done more.
      “At times, I thought if I didn’t think so much it would be easier but then I wouldn’t be the person I am. I wouldn’t want to ever change who I am to then have a better career.
      “I’m also disappointed in football and the industry itself. Whether that’s governing bodies like the PFA and FA or players and coaches I’ve worked with.
      “But I want to be able to use this to make a change. Football needs to change and fans want to see real people. Fans don’t care about all the rubbish.
      “If players can show who they really are without having to worry about all these filters and other things, then it will make for a much closer knit and greater game.
      “But right know everything is so split.”
      YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      Sordell was approached by current players in the EFL and Premier League suffering in the same way who also want out of football, but fear a lack of education, financial security and social acceptance is holding them back.
      He wants to help change that, and has already been in touch with those in high places offering his services. He is just waiting for a call back.
      Sordell sighs: “They [The FA and PFA] haven’t called me. I don’t know if they will.
      “It’s not frustrating for me personally, but there are so many current and former players who have been through similar circumstances.
      “A lot can be done to help but it’s only if the PFA and the FA want to help. They have access to all of them.
      “It’s invaluable to have the knowledge of people from inside the game. These organisations have a lot of people with experience in business management or finance or sales.
      “But when you’re talking about making an impact in football, you need to understand what football looks like and feels like. Without that it’s very difficult to know.”
      Now Sordell keeps himself busy having lent himself to several non-football projects during his career – including a production company ‘180 Productions’ and male suicide prevention campaign CALM – to ensure this transition was as smooth as possible.
      And soon, along with his wife and two young children, he will move back down to Watford where it all began.
      Only this time, the pressure is finally off.
      Marvin Sordell opens up on suicide attempts and battles with depression More

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      Barcelona got £225m offer for Messi in 2006 from Inter – more than QUADRUPLE the world-record transfer fee at time

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      BARCELONA turned down a £225million Inter Milan bid for Lionel Messi in 2006, according to their former club president Joan Laporta.The Catalan politician served as the club’s chief between 2003 and 2010 before returning last year.
      Messi was already hot property back in 2006Credit: AFP – Getty
      Joan Laporta revealed the bid last yearCredit: EPA
      And Laporta, 60,was asked about the future of unhappy talisman Lionel Messi – leading to a stunning admission.
      Last April, he told Radio Onda Cero: “Nobody who loves Barcelona can have doubts about Messi.
      “We rejected a £225m offer coming from Inter in 2006. [Massimo] Moratti wanted to bring him to his club.”
      The offer dwarfed what was the then transfer world-record, which was the £46.6m that Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
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      At the time, inspired by the likes of Javier Zanetti, Adriano and Luis Figo, Inter had just won Serie A – while Messi had picked up his first Champions League medal with Barca.
      The Argentine, now 35, has gone on to pick up three more – but not since 2015.
      Ultimately, Barcelona lost their talisman for nothing when he departed for Paris Saint-Germain once his contract expired before the beginning of the last campaign.
      And former club figure Jaume Llopis has hammered Laporta for his handling of the Messi and CVC investment saga.
      The transfer record was previously held by Zinedine Zidane at £46.6mCredit: AFP
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      The former Espai Barca member told Cadena SER: “The first contract was not accepted because, according to Laporta, it meant mortgaging the TV rights of Barcelona for the next 50 years.
      “But CVC were willing to negotiate. And they did not negotiate either.
      “Laporta was convinced by Ferran Reverter, the new CEO, that it was not possible to sign with CVC, and by Florentino Perez with the European Super League project.
      “It also happens that Ferran Reverter has a long-standing friendship with Florentino Perez and between them they convinced him and Laporta to radically change his mind and refuse to continue negotiating.” More

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      I made my Arsenal first-team debut aged 20 and scored the winning goal… 18 years later I now help their IT department

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      DANNY KARBASSIYOON has gone from wing-back wizard to web wizard since returning to Arsenal.The American, 38, joined the Gunners in 2003 from US amateur outfit Roanoke Star where he starred for the youth teams.

      Danny Karbassiyoon (No46) celebrates after his strike knocked Manchester City out of the League Cup in October 2004Credit: Getty
      Karbassiyoon now works for Arsenal in their IT Department after retiringCredit: Arsenal FC
      Initially brought in as a forward, the left-footed maestro was converted into a full-back.
      And he was rewarded with a first team debut in October 2004 in the League Cup third round tie away at Manchester City.
      The former USA Under-18 international had an instant impact off the bench as he fired in a 90th minute strike into the far corner after being played in by Cesc Fabregas.
      It turned out to be the winner after Robbie Fowler rifled home a free-kick moments later at the Etihad.

      Karbassiyoon would go on to feature twice more for Arsenal in the League Cup against Everton and Manchester United, who Arsene Wenger’s side were knocked out by.
      In November 2004 the defender was loaned to Ipswich, where he made five appearances for the Tractor Boys.
      Having failed to establish himself in Wenger’s side due to Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy, Karbassiyoon was released in 2005 where he linked up with Burnley.
      But injuries limited him to just five appearances with his contract terminated a year later, and after an unsuccessful trial at AZ Alkmaar, Karbassiyoon retired in early 2007 at the age of 22 due to recurring knee problems.
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      Karbassiyoon (middle) scored a 90th minute winner against the Citizens on his debut aged 20Credit: Getty

      However he remained in the beautiful game where he became an Arsenal scout for the American region, where he is credited for bringing Gedion Zelalem and Joel Campbell to the club.
      After leaving to start a successful online gaming company, he returned to Arsenal once again where he is now a product manager in their IT department.
      His role combines his knowledge of scouting footballers and technology where he helps technical director Edu and the recruitment team.
      Speaking to Arsenal’s website about his role, he said: “Essentially I lead the direction and design of our two bespoke, in-house platforms.
      “The first is our recruitment platform, geared towards the players that we want to bring into the club, and is led by Edu and the recruitment team.
      “Secondly, the performance hub is driven by our coaches, sports science team, medical and strength and conditioning staff.
      “They are both unique to us at Arsenal, and I was able to combine my experience from my days as a scout, with my knowledge of tech and development.”
      He continued: “When Edu first arrived as technical director, he needed to make three or four different calls if he wanted information on a specific target or new player.
      “He would call the StatDNA guys, the scouts, the analysts – it would take a while. My solution was to have all that information ready by just typing in a player’s name to a database.
      “It’s a bit more sophisticated in that the various stakeholders are given the information that’s relevant and pertinent to them, but essentially it brings everything together in a usable platform.”
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      Karbassiyoon added: “I’m part of the IT department, so I’m technically based at Highbury House, but I also work closely with the guys at Colney, and am usually there a couple of times a week.
      “I work across the departments, which is great, because there is input from the medical team, recruitment, sports science, Edu as well of course.” More

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      What happened to the ‘Next Messis’, from youngest LaLiga star Romero to ex-Man City ace Patrick Roberts

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      MORE than a dozen players have been dubbed the ‘Next Messi’ over the years.But none have ever reached the heights scaled by PSG and Argentina World Cup winner Lionel Messi… not even close.
      The ‘Next Messis’ from all around the world
      Luka Romero, the ‘Mexican Messi’, made his debut for Mallorca age 15Credit: EPA
      In 2020, the ‘Mexican Messi’ (we’ve had one before in Diego Lainez) Luka Romero made LaLiga history.
      At just 15, the diminutive teen came on as a sub against Real Madrid in June 2020 and became the youngest player to play in the Spanish top-flight, also showing fans what the fuss is all about with some neat touches, before signing for Lazio in 2021.
      While, Arsenal were once linked with what was then the latest ‘Next Messi’ – Iranian Bayer Leverkusen star Sardar Azmoun.
      In the summer of 2019, Manchester United were said to be monitoring Trabzonspor teenager Abdulkadir Omur, the ‘Turkish Messi’.
      The world map has almost been filled in with different ‘Next Messis’ from around the globe.
      From Peru to South Africa and Japan to Iran, two dozen countries have produced their own version of the little genius.
      Even Scotland had one while England have two.
      Here’s how they got on…
      Lionel Messi is still arguably the best player in the worldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The English Messi – Patrick Roberts
      Burst on to the scene as a teenager at Fulham and after some impressive performances as a teenager, Man City splashed £12million on him.
      He barely got into the City side before a long loan spell at Celtic.
      Although he won seven trophies under Brendan Rodgers, Roberts had a number of injury issues and did not hit the heights expected of him.
      Another loan spell to Girona last season didn’t really work out – while stints at Norwich and Middlesbrough last term have been uninspiring.
      Roberts went on loan at Derby, who narrowly avoided relegation to League One with a thrilling 3-3 draw on the final day of the Championship season.
      Now, he’s at League One side Sunderland.
      Mini Messi – Fran Kirby
      One of the players most deserving of the tag, the England and Chelsea star is one of the biggest stars in the women’s game.
      Kirby, who stands at just 5ft 2in, is a former PFA and FWA player of the year and has been a vital player in all of the Lionesses’ recent success, including winning the Euros.
      In 2021, Kirby was voted the 10th best player in the world in the Ballon d’Or list.
      England star Fran Kirby has been dubbed Mini Messi – and is one of the best players in the women’s gameCredit: PA:Press Association
      Scottish Messi – Ryan Gauld
      Gauld was 17 when he made his debut for Dundee United and began tearing it up in Scotland, helping The Terrors reach the Scottish Cup final in 2014.
      After being shortlisted for Young Player of the Year, Gauld was snapped up by Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.
      But Gauld only made two league appearances for Sporting, all in 2014 and early 2015, and went on four unsuccessful loan spells.
      He’s now at MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC, after a spell at Portuguese second tier side Farense.
      Swiss Messi – Xherdan Shaqiri
      The Messi comparisons are definitely a step too far but Shaqiri – formerly of Liverpool – is quite obviously a talent good enough for most teams in the world.
      He has played at some of the biggest clubs and scored at two World Cups and the European Championship.
      Injuries limited his impact at the Reds, and he moved to Lyon before plying his trade in the MLS with Chicago Fire.
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      Egyptian Messi – Mohamed Salah
      Speaking of whom, there was a time when Salah being compared to Messi would have been impossible to imagine… namely at Chelsea.
      Now thriving at Liverpool, the Egyptian king isn’t quite at Messi’s level – but he’s pretty damn close.
      This was a tag from when the forward was still at Basel and, in all honesty, it’s quite fair.
      Salah is now one of the best players in the world and will soon have players being dubbed the ‘Next Salah’.
      Mohamed Salah is now at the level were other players are dubbed the ‘Next Salah’Credit: AFP or licensors
      Catalan Messi – Gerard Deulofeu
      Certainly has enough natural talent to earn comparisons to one of the best ever.
      But the winger, now at Udinese following stints at Everton and Watford, does not have the consistency or work rate to compare himself to Messi.
      Deulofeu struggled in two spells at Barca but was instrumental to the Hornets getting to the FA Cup final in 2019.
      German Messi – Marko Marin
      Arrived at Chelsea in 2012 with a massive reputation but – like so many other Blues youngsters – never got a fair chance at Stamford Bridge.
      Was sent on four loan spells in three seasons and managed just six Premier League games in West London.
      Marin has since won trophies in Greece, Spain and Serbia before retiring last year while at Hungarian side Ferencvarosi.
      Croatian Messi – Alen Halilovic
      Another Barcelona graduate, the diminutive Croatian international has the technique but has struggled with the physicality of senior football.
      Loan spells at Sporting Gijon have brought little success.
      He is currently at Croatian club HNK Rijeka, after spells at Championship side Reading and AC Milan, where he failed to play a single Serie A game. Dutch side Heerenveen, Standard Liege, and Birmingham also feature on his CV.
      Norwegian Messi – Martin Odegaard
      One of the most hyped teenagers in Europe, the Norwegian jumped from Stromsgodset to Real Madrid in 2015.
      He initially struggled to live up to the hype and a two-year loan spell at Heerenveen brought inconsistent play.
      But last season on loan at Real Sociedad, Odegaard was excellent – putting himself in the frame to break back into the Madrid first-team.
      The Norwegian signed for Arsenal in a permanent deal in 2021, after a loan spell and his form has fired the Gunners to the top of the Premier League.
      Martin Odegaard was one of the most hyped teenage players everCredit: EPA
      Irish Messi – Alan Judge
      Definitely a tongue-in-cheek nickname, the winger earned the title while starring for Brentford for five years between 2014 and 2019.
      Judge helped the Bees reach the Championship and stay in the second tier, and was named in the PFA teams of the year in 2013 and 2016.
      He was at Ipswich, helping the Tractor Boys to ninth in League One in 2020-21, before signing for Colchester.
      Peruvian Messi – Raul Ruidiaz
      Actually nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, the Peruvian scored a mountain of goals in Peru and Mexico before moving to MLS in 2018.
      The striker has been sensational for the Seattle Sounders, winning the MLS Cup and CONCACAF Champions League.
      Kosovan Messi – Edon Zhergrova
      Edon Zhegrova became a YouTube sensation back in 2014 after compilations of the then 15-year old’s dazzling goals gained thousands of views.
      The Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona moves did not materialise, but a move to Belgium’s Standard Liege and then Genk did, where he is coming through the ranks.
      Basel then decided to take a longer look at him with an 18-month loan deal.
      The No10 played a handful of games for the club before moving to Lille.
      Indian Messi – Lallianzuala Chhangte
      The Chennaiyin winger became the youngest Indian international when he made his debut in 2015.
      But, now aged 24, the hype has died down a bit with Chhangte unable to build on that early promise.
      And he now playing for Indian side Mumbai City.
      Japanese Messi – Takefusa Kubo
      Still just 22, Kubo has the best chance of any player to live up to the moniker.
      The former FC Tokyo forward even came through the ranks at Barcelona, where he was a youth star, before returning to Japan.
      He would have stayed at La Masia but after Barca’s transfer ban he was no longer eligible to play in competitive matches, so decided to return to his homeland.
      He is the youngest player to play and score in the J.League and has been a regular in the FC Tokyo side.
      Kubo was snapped up by Real Madrid, a major coup for Los Blancos – but was quickly loaned to Mallorca before joining Getafe on a short-term deal earlier in 2021.
      Barcelona had wanted the playmaker – but were fooled into thinking he was not available until next January after an error on the Transkfermarkt website.
      Real Madrid knew the correct date his contract was up and swooped.
      Kubo, who has been brilliant in Japan’s successful World Cup campaign in Qatar, is currently at Real Sociedad after joining last summer.
      Takefusa Kubo (left) came through the ranks at Barcelona before joining Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Greek Messi – Giannis Fetfatzidis
      The little winger never lived up to the moniker after coming through at Olympiacos.
      Has since played in Italy and Saudi Arabia, but is now at Qatari side Al-Sailiya.
      Iranian Messi – Sardar Azmoun
      A number of European clubs were interested in Azmoun a few years ago, including Arsenal, who offered £2m for the rapid forward.
      Azmoun starred in Russia for Zenit St Petersburg, where he has scored 62 times in just 104 games while winning three Russian Premier League titles.
      However, he’s now at Bayer Leverkusen – where he has scored just once across two seasons.
      Iranian Messi Azmoun has been linked to ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
      Indonesian Messi – Egy Maulana Vikri
      Aged just 21, Egy is already a full international having been a prodigy at youth level.
      He had scored 15 goals in 16 matches for Indonesia Under-19s, attracting attention from big clubs in Europe.
      Eventually, Maulana chose Lechia Gdansk where he also impressed for the reserves, scoring 12 goals in 14 matches in the Polish fourth tier.
      He made his full debut in 2020 and is now a 17-cap senior international for Indonesia.
      He moved to Slovenian side FK Senica, and now plays for ViOn Zlaté Moravce in the same league.
      Another Mexican Messi – Diego Lainez
      The 22-year-old has the potential to be a big star and has consistently been named as one of the players to keep an eye on in the coming years.
      The teenager is already a full international for El Tri and was signed by Real Betis for £9m in January 2019.
      This season, he was sent on loan to Primeira Liga club Braga for much-needed first team experience.
      Diego Lainez is already a full Mexican international and moved to Real Betis for £9mCredit: Getty – Contributor
      South Korean Messi – Lee Seung-woo
      Lee was once hailed as South Korea’s great hope of the future and was another graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      He moved to Catalonia in 2011, but managed just one appearance for Barcelona B, before moving to Hellas Verona in 2017.
      Now 25, the winger plays for South Korean side Suwon FC but became a national hero for his exploits in the Asian Games.
      Lee provided the assist for Tottenham’s Son Heung-min to score a winner – the goal also meant the Spurs man would avoid national service.
      Malaysian Messi – Faiz Nasir
      One of the smallest players in world football, Nasir stands at just 5ft.
      But there is plenty of talent in those little legs, with the Terengganu FC star scoring on his international debut.
      Nigerian Messi – Stanley Okoro
      Nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, Okoro spent time in Spain with Almeria but struggled to make a breakthrough.
      He certainly likes the nickname, however, stating: “I don’t mind when people call me Little Messi.
      “It’s a pleasant thing to be compared with the best footballer in the world – I don’t have a problem with that.”
      But having played back in his homeland of Nigeria, Okoro is now without a club.
      Thai Messi – Chanathip Songkrasin
      Songkrasin is known as ‘Messi Jay'”or just ‘Jay’ but actually took inspiration from another Argentine legend.
      His father apparently trained him with the intention of copying Diego Maradona.
      He became a fans’ favourite across Thailand for his dribbling skills, with 58 international caps so far, and now plays in Japan for Kawasake Frontale.
      South African Messi – Tebogo Tlolane
      The winger was nicknamed Messi from a young age because of his dribbling skills.
      He even managed a two week trial at Barcelona but failed to make the grade – Tlolane is now back in South Africa with Orlando Pirates. More