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11 Years After Being Cristiano Ronaldo's Mascot, Joao Filipe Is Portugal's New Golden Boy

11 Years After Being Cristiano Ronaldo's Mascot, Joao Filipe Is Portugal's New Golden Boy

Remember the name.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Back in 2007, Portugal's very own golden boy Cristiano Ronaldo stood beside a very special mascot.

11 years after the above picture was taken, this kid has developed into a golden boot winner. Ladies and gentlemen, meet 19-year-old Joao Filipe, a recently crowned European champion in his own right.

Not only did Filipe score in the U19 European Championship final against Italy, but he earned the Golden Boot award after netting five goals and notching two assists in the tournament.

Just look at those stats.

Some have even compared him to Belgium winger Eden Hazard, a compliment of the highest order.

Twitter account Scouted Football described him perfectly. "The speed, incisiveness, close control - and most importantly - an incredible balance and ability to stay on his feet."

Portugal went on to win the final 4-3 thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Pedro Correia, but the wizard Filipe grabbed the headlines.

Filipe has drawn comparisons to his hero, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the past. Even his former side Manchester United handed the youngster a trial at age 14 when he was in the Benfica youth academy.

He didn't manage to impress enough to earn a contract, even when Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea were all in the running to sign the biggest talent in Portugal, according to The Independent.

If only they'd snapped him up. Imagine this 19-year-old tearing it up in the Premier League.


Remember the name - Joao Filipe.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Italy