SB Central Records

Many players on the field have been in the international football spotlight for many years. However, these rising stars are just getting started:

1. Chris Wood
   The youngest player to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is the New Zealand squad’s own Chris Wood or Auckland, New Zealand. At only 18, this fast tracking striker made it through the All-Whites setup just last year and in 2007 made a standout performance in the world championships for competitors under 17.
2. Xherdan Shaqiri
   Now 18, Xherdan Shaqiri relocated to Switzerland from his birthplace of Gnjilane, and played for the youth team of SV Augst and FC Basel. While on that team, he was named as the best player in the Under 15 Nike Cup tournament in 2007. In spite of the many offers to sign, Shaqiri stayed put with Basel.
3. Terna Suswam
   Headed to the World Cup at only 18, Terna Suswam started his career with SEC Abuja and in 2007 he signed for Wikki Tourists F. C. While on the Wikki Tourists team, Terna Suswam played his first professional games. In 2009, he was sold to the Lobi Stars.
4. Kostas Manolas
   Now 18, Konstantinos “Kostas” Manolas began his youth career just five years ago at Thrasyvoulos F.C. He signed a three-year contract with AEK Athens in June of 2009. Kostas Manolas received recognition as Most Valuable Player in five of his first seven matches.
5. Lukman Haruna
   Haruna Abdulkarim Lukman, better known as 19-year-old Nigerian football star Lukman Haruna, sign with AS Monaco in 2008. His first professional contract runs through the summer of 2012.
6. Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu
   This 19-year-old from the Ghana squad has shown nothing but promise on the field as and alert and combative defensive midfielder. He first caught the eye of football fans when he made the winning penalty against Brazil to win the World Youth Cup in 2009. In addition, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu did not miss a step in the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.
7. Rene Krhin
   At only twenty, this midfielder is a rising star in the world of Slovenian football. Rene Krhin has 20/20 vision, which is combined with creativity and thoughtful distribution. These are only a few of the special talents that ensure this player is one to watch.
8. Kwang-min Ju
   At the young age of 20, Kwang-min Ju is a very promising goalkeeper, currently playing in the 2010 World Cup on the side of North Korea. Kwang-min Ju is known best for his high leaps and lack of hesitation when sprinting to confront the opposition.
9. Jonathan dos Santos
   Born Jonathan do Santos Ramirez, this 20-year-old football midfielder is of both Brazilian and Mexican decent. Football is in the blood of Jonathan dos Santos, who is the son of former Brazilian football player, Gerardo dos Santos and brother to Éder dos Santos and Giovani dos Santos.
10. Sotirios Ninis
    At 20, this midfielder is showing no signs of slowing down. His career in football began in 2004 at Panathinaiko’s football academies, quickly becoming an integral part of the squad.

Dena White writes about how to apply for a master in sports management.