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Lebanon’s Young Talent Makes His Mark In Italy
Ryan Abi Najem didn’t just show up; he stood out. At just nine years old, he wowed the crowd at the 2025 Juventus Academy World Cup in Turin.
Among 25 teams from 18 countries, he was the only Lebanese player in the tournament, and he definitely made it count.
A Skillful Player
Playing both right back and playmaker, Ryan proved he could do it all. He scored, made key passes, and even got voted best player several times. His game sense and versatility were a huge part of his team’s success.
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Ryan’s team, made up of players born in 2015, had a strong run—beating teams from Cyprus, Panama, Tunisia, and London. They sealed the bronze group title with a solid 5–2 win over Houston.
One to Watch
It’s not every day you see a nine-year-old holding his own on an international stage, but Ryan did just that. Representing Lebanon through the Juventus Kuwait Academy, he showed the world that talent has no age.
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