Lionel Messi has named ten global prospects in an advertising campaign for his apparel sponsor Adidas, featuring emerging players from the German Bundesliga and the Frauen-Bundesliga among selections from South America and the Premier League.
Frankfurt and HSV Prospects Make the Selection
Can Uzun of Eintracht Frankfurt and Lotta Wrede of Hamburger SV represent German football on the ten-player roster compiled by Messi. Uzun, a 20-year-old Turkey international, has recorded 19 goals and 12 assists across 65 total appearances for the Bundesliga club. Fussballdaten.de values the midfielder at 40.15 million euros, positioning Eintracht Frankfurt for a substantial transfer fee if a sale eventuates.
In the Frauen-Bundesliga, left winger Lotta Wrede has established her breakthrough with Hamburger SV by making 22 appearances during the recent campaign, bringing her career total to 47 matches and six goals for the club. Wrede has represented Germany’s junior national teams since the under-16 level and previously earned the Fritz Walter Medal in silver. During the summer transfer window, Wrede drew attention from FC Barcelona before ultimately signing a contract extension with HSV.
Global Talents Selected Across Leagues
Beyond the German leagues, the selection spans several continents and prominent club academies. South American football is represented by Boca Juniors youngster Tomás Aranda alongside Mexican prospect Gilberto Mora. English clubs feature Arsenal academy player Max Dowman and Chelsea defender Chloe Sarwie, rounding out the international contingent highlighted in the Adidas promotional spot.
Precedents in Previous Promotional Lists
The Argentine star has previously released similar generational prospect lists through his sponsorship commitments. Past selections included German internationals Timo Werner and Assane Ouedraogo, who were featured in earlier iterations of the manufacturer’s young talent campaigns before establishing themselves within professional club football.
Keep reading
