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Yan Couto could start for Borussia Dortmund against former club Manchester City in the Champions League tonight having spent three years at the Etihad without playing a game
The stars of tomorrow are currently strutting their stuff at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
It's a tournament that has seen countless players showcase their ability before going to illustrious careers. Phil Foden is a former Golden Ball winner at the tournament, as were Toni Kroos and Cesc Fabregas.
Manchester City have supplied five of England's squad to this season's tournament, but in 2019 the Blues plucked one of the stars of the tournament from relative obscurity.
Yan Couto hadn't played a senior game when he starred on home soil as Brazil lifted the trophy. City were impressed and swooped ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich to bring the talented full back to Manchester.
Tonight, he returns to the city, finally set to play a game at the Etihad, but in the colours of Borussia Dortmund.
The German club signed the right back in the summer after a successful loan spell in the Bundesliga and the 23-year-old has made nine appearances this season, scoring twice.
He's thriving at a team renowned for developing potential, but the plethora of talent in his way at City prevented any first team opportunities - despite his obvious talent.
"I'm happy to see him do really well," said City chief Pep Guardiola ahead of the visit of Dortmund "I'm happy that he's there, he made an incredible impact with Girona."
Couto spent two years on loan at City's sister club Girona, playing a key role in their historic 2023/24 season, which yielded a top-four place and Champions League football.
The rampaging right-sided player was a consistent performer in La Liga, a league he could have been playing in earlier such was the interest in Barcelona in him when he ultimately joined City.
"I had a good conversation with Barcelona and I thought I would go there," Couto told ESPN Brasil. "But then Manchester City appeared and showed me how things would be there.
"At first, they wanted to loan me out straight away, but then I spoke with Guardiola. He told me that I would do pre-season with the first team and from there it would depend on me.
"Guardiola was very attentive and said that he was really happy I was coming to the club. It was the best decision for me."
Whether Couto reflects on his move to Manchester as the best decision now remains to be seen, but he is proving he is able to play at the top level of European football with Dortmund.
Guardiola might be happy for him, but he'll be happier if his former charge has a quiet night on Wednesday.
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