It’s not every day that a 14-year-old becomes the talk of one of the world’s biggest football clubs—but JJ Gabriel is no ordinary teenager.
While most kids his age are just navigating secondary school, Gabriel is already being tipped as Manchester United’s next big superstar, drawing comparisons to legends like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
And this week, he made headlines again—for getting a record-breaking squad number at Old Trafford.
From ‘Kid Messi’ to United’s Newest Prospect
Known online in his early days as “Kid Messi,” Gabriel has been turning heads since he was barely old enough to tie his boots.
A viral YouTube video at age nine first put him on the map.
But now, JJ (short for Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel) is determined to make his own name, away from any Messi comparisons.
Growing up in London, he honed his skills not just on the football pitch, but also in futsal—an indoor variation that sharpens control and flair.
It clearly worked. His footwork, precision, and eye for goal made him stand out in youth stints at Chelsea, Arsenal, and West Ham before landing at Manchester United.
United Seal the Deal Amid European Interest
Despite strong interest from big-name European clubs—and even some Premier League rivals—JJ has committed to staying in Manchester. United’s football director Jason Wilcox and head of negotiations Matt Hargreaves reportedly played key roles in convincing him to stay up north, rather than chasing an early move abroad.
JJ Gabriel Receives United’s Highest Ever Squad Number
On Tuesday, Gabriel posted a photo of himself grinning in Manchester United training gear—wearing the number 95. That detail didn’t escape fans.
According to Transfermarkt, this is the highest squad number ever handed out to a United player.
The previous record belonged to defender Godwill Kunoki, who wore number 87 last season.
A Career Mapped Out With Precision
Gabriel’s journey is no accident. His career has been meticulously planned by his family, especially his father—former Republic of Ireland international Joe O’Cearuill.
In fact, the family surname was changed to Gabriel as both a religious tribute and a branding decision to help JJ stand out in football circles.
He’s home-schooled, follows a strict performance-focused diet, and has been training like a pro for years.
By six, he was doing over 1,000 keepy-ups.
By 14, he made his Under-18 debut for United and scored two goals.
In February, he also made his first appearance for England’s Under-15 squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Seal of Approval
When Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was part of the United academy, he and Gabriel became close.
They were even presented together at Old Trafford wearing the No. 7 and No. 10 shirts—mirroring their iconic footballing fathers.
The elder Ronaldo reportedly took a liking to JJ and gave him a signed shirt before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
Experts Say He’s Ready for the Big Stage
Alfie Brooks, the owner of Ole Futsal and JJ’s personal coach, has worked with over 1,000 academy players.
But according to him, JJ stands above them all.
“He could walk into a Premier League dressing room right now and technically be better than everyone there,” Brooks told Mail Sport. “It’s not even close.”
What Comes Next for the Teenage Phenom?
For now, JJ Gabriel remains grounded, focused, and surrounded by a support system dedicated to helping him thrive.
As he continues to train with the Under-18s and build his profile with England’s youth teams, it’s becoming clearer by the day that this 14-year-old isn’t just a future star—he’s already halfway there.
