Who is JJ Gabriel? Man Utd's record-breaking 'Kid Messi'

Tom Weber

• 24 Oct 2025 10:30 CDT
• 5 min read

News

Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has officially taken part in his first training session with the senior team, cementing his status as the biggest talent in the Red Devils' academy.

The teenager has been highly-rated since an incredibly young age, and he is well on his way to fulfilling his massive potential. Chased by various elite sides around Europe, Man Utd are doing everything in their power to keep the wonderkid.

So, who is JJ Gabriel and how good can he become?

What position does JJ Gabriel play in?

JJ Gabriel is a versatile attacker who can play as a centre-forward and as a winger.

How good is JJ Gabriel?

The son of former Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill, Gabriel has football in his blood, and it shows. The 15-year-old was born in London and spent time in various elite academies, including at Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham, before joining Man Utd in 2022.

Even before he arrived in the Northwest, Gabriel was an internet sensation. A video of him made the rounds on social media when he was just nine years old, which earned him the nickname 'Kid Messi.'

By age 11, he had secured a sponsorship from Nike, and he extended his cooperation with the outfitter in early 2025. But what makes him so special that he is regarded as the biggest talent in Man Utd's youth ranks?

For one, his ability on the ball is special. Gabriel loves to dribble at opponents with speed, showing excellent ball control and unpredictability. He is also clinical when he gets a sight of goal, but not to the point of selfishness.

He is not averse to setting up his teammates and is comfortable combining with those around him. Gabriel can play all over the frontline, either as a lone forward or as a more withdrawn second striker. Alternatively, he can also cut in from the wing.

He also appears to already have a superstar mentality. Even when playing with older age groups, Gabriel has looked a cut above the rest and completely unfazed. He has been a regular for Man Utd's U18s since age 14.

In April 2025, he became the Red Devils' youngest-ever player in that age group and immediately netted a brace in a 13-1 demolition of rivals Leeds. Over the summer, Gabriel was informed that he could have the opportunity to train with the first team during the 2025/26 season.

He didn't have to wait long for his chance. After scoring seven goals in his first six U18 Premier League games of the new campaign, Gabriel was promoted to senior training on 23 October and took part in a full 11v11 game.

Despite being too young to play in the FA Youth Cup, Gabriel is training with the first team. It is an immense show of faith from the Red Devils, who are desperate to tie the wonderkid to the club long-term.

The youngster has reportedly attracted the attention of Real Madrid, and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that several European giants were interested in him in the summer of 2025. Jason Wilcox, in particular, played a huge role in convincing him to stay.

Gabriel and his family were invited to the director's box at Old Trafford for the opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League season, and Wilcox made it clear to the teenager that Man Utd have big plans for him.

Romano reports that planning for Gabriel's next contract is in full swing. He extended his stay at Old Trafford in the summer, but he is unable to sign long-term contracts due to his age.

Gabriel represents England at the youth level, but he is also eligible for Ireland due to his father and Cyprus due to his mother.

What clubs are interested in JJ Gabriel?

Real Madrid are known to be admirers of Gabriel, while Fabrizio Romano has stated that numerous European giants are keen on the youngster, without explicitly naming them.

Man Utd are doing everything in their power to ensure the teenager does not slip through their grasp, and are planning to get him to agree to a long-term deal when he becomes eligible to do so.

How old is JJ Gabriel?

JJ Gabriel was born on 6 October 2010, making him 15 years old at the time of writing.

When does JJ Gabriel's contract expire?

It is not known when JJ Gabriel's current Man Utd contract expires, although it has been suggested that he is tied down until at least age 16.

What is JJ Gabriel's Instagram?

JJ Gabriel's Instagram account is @jjnr10 and has 215,000 followers as of October 2025.

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