Twenty-year-old sensation Kenan Yıldız is already drawing comparisons with Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero. Aaryan Parasnis takes a closer look at the Bianconeri’s latest attacking maestro
WORDS Aaryan Parasnis
Issue 25
As the seasons go by, the idea that players enter their prime in their mid-20s looks increasingly past its sell-by date. Gone are the days when teenage talents would develop steadily through the ranks and work their way up to the first team over a few years. Today, the reins to some of the biggest clubs in the world are in the new generation’s hands before they’re even old enough to drive.
Take Kenan Yıldız. The German-born Türkiye playmaker was snapped up by Juventus aged 17 in 2022 and was likened to the greatest player ever to represent the Bianconeri after barely a single season under his belt. The comparisons to Alessandro Del Piero are naturally flattering, but during our chat with Yıldız in October, he resists getting too caught up in them. “I always say I don’t like the comparisons between us because he’s a legend, he’s finished his career and I’ve just started. I want to bring my own legacy, my own story.”
So which of Yıldız’s traits spark memories of Del Piero? A right-footed attacking midfielder but also very dangerous with his less dominant left? Check. Exceptionally creative, loves to operate in half-spaces and can pose a threat from the flank? Check. An agile dribbler who can glide past opponents? Check. Exceptional ball-striking technique that blends power and curve? Check. That last bit has been showcased in Juve’s opening Champions League fixture for two seasons running, the latest a stunning curling finish against Borussia Dortmund that bore a striking resemblance to Del Piero’s first Champions League goal in September 1995… against the same opponents, also aged 20.
All that isn’t to deny that the Juve No10 shirt weighs heavily, but Yıldız is just glad to shoulder it. “As a kid, you always wanted the No10 and now I’m wearing it at a club like this,” he says. “At the beginning, I was thinking, ‘Oh God, will I be able to do it in the No10 shirt?’ But I didn’t read or see too much about it because I only had one goal. I wanted this number and I just wanted to shine with it and have fun. And if we’re honest, the number doesn’t play; I’m the one who plays.”
Yıldız’s football isn’t the only thing about him beyond his years. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of being an elite footballer, but he knows his priorities. In August 2023, after former boss Massimiliano Allegri handed Yıldız his debut against Udinese, Allegri praised his quality but also complained: “He touched his hair a hundred times. He has to have it cut tomorrow and then let’s take things from there.”
The very next day, Yıldız was at the barbers to get a trim, then sent his manager a message. “Mister, football comes first. Everything you say, I’m going to do – because you’re the boss!” It speaks volumes about his mentality and willingness to take advice on board. “I went through a lot when I was in the youth team,” he says. “I was one of the youngest, always playing with older players. There were certain things I had to listen to, and I would say that makes you stronger when you’re young.”
Accepting criticism positively while maintaining your individuality is a tough juggling act, but Yıldız’s inner confidence helps him strike a healthy balance. “If you have self-belief on the pitch, you can deal with anything, and that is one of my biggest strengths.”
If Yıldız sounds remarkably grounded, that’s because he is – every bit the product of his upbringing. “[My parents] are the reason I have achieved all of this,” he explains. “I was with my best friends Can and Bojan back then, and we went to the pitch every day. Even after I had team training, I still went back to the pitch and I’d stay for five more hours until midnight or so. My parents really shaped everything for me. My mother was responsible for everything with school and looking after me when my father was at work. My father worked from 6am until 5pm, came home and went straight to the football pitch with me in his work clothes. It was like that every day. I owe them everything.”
For someone like Yıldız, with such a good head on his young shoulders, the sky is the limit. And that’s exactly what he’s shooting for. “Everyone knows [my dream]: to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and the World Cup.” With his hunger and his talent, you wouldn’t bet against it.
As the seasons go by, the idea that players enter their prime in their mid-20s looks increasingly past its sell-by date. Gone are the days when teenage talents would develop steadily through the ranks and work their way up to the first team over a few years. Today, the reins to some of the biggest clubs in the world are in the new generation’s hands before they’re even old enough to drive.
Take Kenan Yıldız. The German-born Türkiye playmaker was snapped up by Juventus aged 17 in 2022 and was likened to the greatest player ever to represent the Bianconeri after barely a single season under his belt. The comparisons to Alessandro Del Piero are naturally flattering, but during our chat with Yıldız in October, he resists getting too caught up in them. “I always say I don’t like the comparisons between us because he’s a legend, he’s finished his career and I’ve just started. I want to bring my own legacy, my own story.”
So which of Yıldız’s traits spark memories of Del Piero? A right-footed attacking midfielder but also very dangerous with his less dominant left? Check. Exceptionally creative, loves to operate in half-spaces and can pose a threat from the flank? Check. An agile dribbler who can glide past opponents? Check. Exceptional ball-striking technique that blends power and curve? Check. That last bit has been showcased in Juve’s opening Champions League fixture for two seasons running, the latest a stunning curling finish against Borussia Dortmund that bore a striking resemblance to Del Piero’s first Champions League goal in September 1995… against the same opponents, also aged 20.
All that isn’t to deny that the Juve No10 shirt weighs heavily, but Yıldız is just glad to shoulder it. “As a kid, you always wanted the No10 and now I’m wearing it at a club like this,” he says. “At the beginning, I was thinking, ‘Oh God, will I be able to do it in the No10 shirt?’ But I didn’t read or see too much about it because I only had one goal. I wanted this number and I just wanted to shine with it and have fun. And if we’re honest, the number doesn’t play; I’m the one who plays.”
Yıldız’s football isn’t the only thing about him beyond his years. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of being an elite footballer, but he knows his priorities. In August 2023, after former boss Massimiliano Allegri handed Yıldız his debut against Udinese, Allegri praised his quality but also complained: “He touched his hair a hundred times. He has to have it cut tomorrow and then let’s take things from there.”
The very next day, Yıldız was at the barbers to get a trim, then sent his manager a message. “Mister, football comes first. Everything you say, I’m going to do – because you’re the boss!” It speaks volumes about his mentality and willingness to take advice on board. “I went through a lot when I was in the youth team,” he says. “I was one of the youngest, always playing with older players. There were certain things I had to listen to, and I would say that makes you stronger when you’re young.”
Accepting criticism positively while maintaining your individuality is a tough juggling act, but Yıldız’s inner confidence helps him strike a healthy balance. “If you have self-belief on the pitch, you can deal with anything, and that is one of my biggest strengths.”
If Yıldız sounds remarkably grounded, that’s because he is – every bit the product of his upbringing. “[My parents] are the reason I have achieved all of this,” he explains. “I was with my best friends Can and Bojan back then, and we went to the pitch every day. Even after I had team training, I still went back to the pitch and I’d stay for five more hours until midnight or so. My parents really shaped everything for me. My mother was responsible for everything with school and looking after me when my father was at work. My father worked from 6am until 5pm, came home and went straight to the football pitch with me in his work clothes. It was like that every day. I owe them everything.”
For someone like Yıldız, with such a good head on his young shoulders, the sky is the limit. And that’s exactly what he’s shooting for. “Everyone knows [my dream]: to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and the World Cup.” With his hunger and his talent, you wouldn’t bet against it.
Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!
As the seasons go by, the idea that players enter their prime in their mid-20s looks increasingly past its sell-by date. Gone are the days when teenage talents would develop steadily through the ranks and work their way up to the first team over a few years. Today, the reins to some of the biggest clubs in the world are in the new generation’s hands before they’re even old enough to drive.
Take Kenan Yıldız. The German-born Türkiye playmaker was snapped up by Juventus aged 17 in 2022 and was likened to the greatest player ever to represent the Bianconeri after barely a single season under his belt. The comparisons to Alessandro Del Piero are naturally flattering, but during our chat with Yıldız in October, he resists getting too caught up in them. “I always say I don’t like the comparisons between us because he’s a legend, he’s finished his career and I’ve just started. I want to bring my own legacy, my own story.”
So which of Yıldız’s traits spark memories of Del Piero? A right-footed attacking midfielder but also very dangerous with his less dominant left? Check. Exceptionally creative, loves to operate in half-spaces and can pose a threat from the flank? Check. An agile dribbler who can glide past opponents? Check. Exceptional ball-striking technique that blends power and curve? Check. That last bit has been showcased in Juve’s opening Champions League fixture for two seasons running, the latest a stunning curling finish against Borussia Dortmund that bore a striking resemblance to Del Piero’s first Champions League goal in September 1995… against the same opponents, also aged 20.
All that isn’t to deny that the Juve No10 shirt weighs heavily, but Yıldız is just glad to shoulder it. “As a kid, you always wanted the No10 and now I’m wearing it at a club like this,” he says. “At the beginning, I was thinking, ‘Oh God, will I be able to do it in the No10 shirt?’ But I didn’t read or see too much about it because I only had one goal. I wanted this number and I just wanted to shine with it and have fun. And if we’re honest, the number doesn’t play; I’m the one who plays.”
Yıldız’s football isn’t the only thing about him beyond his years. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of being an elite footballer, but he knows his priorities. In August 2023, after former boss Massimiliano Allegri handed Yıldız his debut against Udinese, Allegri praised his quality but also complained: “He touched his hair a hundred times. He has to have it cut tomorrow and then let’s take things from there.”
The very next day, Yıldız was at the barbers to get a trim, then sent his manager a message. “Mister, football comes first. Everything you say, I’m going to do – because you’re the boss!” It speaks volumes about his mentality and willingness to take advice on board. “I went through a lot when I was in the youth team,” he says. “I was one of the youngest, always playing with older players. There were certain things I had to listen to, and I would say that makes you stronger when you’re young.”
Accepting criticism positively while maintaining your individuality is a tough juggling act, but Yıldız’s inner confidence helps him strike a healthy balance. “If you have self-belief on the pitch, you can deal with anything, and that is one of my biggest strengths.”
If Yıldız sounds remarkably grounded, that’s because he is – every bit the product of his upbringing. “[My parents] are the reason I have achieved all of this,” he explains. “I was with my best friends Can and Bojan back then, and we went to the pitch every day. Even after I had team training, I still went back to the pitch and I’d stay for five more hours until midnight or so. My parents really shaped everything for me. My mother was responsible for everything with school and looking after me when my father was at work. My father worked from 6am until 5pm, came home and went straight to the football pitch with me in his work clothes. It was like that every day. I owe them everything.”
For someone like Yıldız, with such a good head on his young shoulders, the sky is the limit. And that’s exactly what he’s shooting for. “Everyone knows [my dream]: to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and the World Cup.” With his hunger and his talent, you wouldn’t bet against it.
Available now
Issue 25
Get your copy for interviews with Eberechi Eze, José Mourinho, Kenan Yıldız and more...
Twenty-year-old sensation Kenan Yıldız is already drawing comparisons with Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero. Aaryan Parasnis takes a closer look at the Bianconeri’s latest attacking maestro
As the seasons go by, the idea that players enter their prime in their mid-20s looks increasingly past its sell-by date. Gone are the days when teenage talents would develop steadily through the ranks and work their way up to the first team over a few years. Today, the reins to some of the biggest clubs in the world are in the new generation’s hands before they’re even old enough to drive.
Take Kenan Yıldız. The German-born Türkiye playmaker was snapped up by Juventus aged 17 in 2022 and was likened to the greatest player ever to represent the Bianconeri after barely a single season under his belt. The comparisons to Alessandro Del Piero are naturally flattering, but during our chat with Yıldız in October, he resists getting too caught up in them. “I always say I don’t like the comparisons between us because he’s a legend, he’s finished his career and I’ve just started. I want to bring my own legacy, my own story.”
So which of Yıldız’s traits spark memories of Del Piero? A right-footed attacking midfielder but also very dangerous with his less dominant left? Check. Exceptionally creative, loves to operate in half-spaces and can pose a threat from the flank? Check. An agile dribbler who can glide past opponents? Check. Exceptional ball-striking technique that blends power and curve? Check. That last bit has been showcased in Juve’s opening Champions League fixture for two seasons running, the latest a stunning curling finish against Borussia Dortmund that bore a striking resemblance to Del Piero’s first Champions League goal in September 1995… against the same opponents, also aged 20.
All that isn’t to deny that the Juve No10 shirt weighs heavily, but Yıldız is just glad to shoulder it. “As a kid, you always wanted the No10 and now I’m wearing it at a club like this,” he says. “At the beginning, I was thinking, ‘Oh God, will I be able to do it in the No10 shirt?’ But I didn’t read or see too much about it because I only had one goal. I wanted this number and I just wanted to shine with it and have fun. And if we’re honest, the number doesn’t play; I’m the one who plays.”
Yıldız’s football isn’t the only thing about him beyond his years. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of being an elite footballer, but he knows his priorities. In August 2023, after former boss Massimiliano Allegri handed Yıldız his debut against Udinese, Allegri praised his quality but also complained: “He touched his hair a hundred times. He has to have it cut tomorrow and then let’s take things from there.”
The very next day, Yıldız was at the barbers to get a trim, then sent his manager a message. “Mister, football comes first. Everything you say, I’m going to do – because you’re the boss!” It speaks volumes about his mentality and willingness to take advice on board. “I went through a lot when I was in the youth team,” he says. “I was one of the youngest, always playing with older players. There were certain things I had to listen to, and I would say that makes you stronger when you’re young.”
Accepting criticism positively while maintaining your individuality is a tough juggling act, but Yıldız’s inner confidence helps him strike a healthy balance. “If you have self-belief on the pitch, you can deal with anything, and that is one of my biggest strengths.”
If Yıldız sounds remarkably grounded, that’s because he is – every bit the product of his upbringing. “[My parents] are the reason I have achieved all of this,” he explains. “I was with my best friends Can and Bojan back then, and we went to the pitch every day. Even after I had team training, I still went back to the pitch and I’d stay for five more hours until midnight or so. My parents really shaped everything for me. My mother was responsible for everything with school and looking after me when my father was at work. My father worked from 6am until 5pm, came home and went straight to the football pitch with me in his work clothes. It was like that every day. I owe them everything.”
For someone like Yıldız, with such a good head on his young shoulders, the sky is the limit. And that’s exactly what he’s shooting for. “Everyone knows [my dream]: to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and the World Cup.” With his hunger and his talent, you wouldn’t bet against it.
As the seasons go by, the idea that players enter their prime in their mid-20s looks increasingly past its sell-by date. Gone are the days when teenage talents would develop steadily through the ranks and work their way up to the first team over a few years. Today, the reins to some of the biggest clubs in the world are in the new generation’s hands before they’re even old enough to drive.
Take Kenan Yıldız. The German-born Türkiye playmaker was snapped up by Juventus aged 17 in 2022 and was likened to the greatest player ever to represent the Bianconeri after barely a single season under his belt. The comparisons to Alessandro Del Piero are naturally flattering, but during our chat with Yıldız in October, he resists getting too caught up in them. “I always say I don’t like the comparisons between us because he’s a legend, he’s finished his career and I’ve just started. I want to bring my own legacy, my own story.”
So which of Yıldız’s traits spark memories of Del Piero? A right-footed attacking midfielder but also very dangerous with his less dominant left? Check. Exceptionally creative, loves to operate in half-spaces and can pose a threat from the flank? Check. An agile dribbler who can glide past opponents? Check. Exceptional ball-striking technique that blends power and curve? Check. That last bit has been showcased in Juve’s opening Champions League fixture for two seasons running, the latest a stunning curling finish against Borussia Dortmund that bore a striking resemblance to Del Piero’s first Champions League goal in September 1995… against the same opponents, also aged 20.
All that isn’t to deny that the Juve No10 shirt weighs heavily, but Yıldız is just glad to shoulder it. “As a kid, you always wanted the No10 and now I’m wearing it at a club like this,” he says. “At the beginning, I was thinking, ‘Oh God, will I be able to do it in the No10 shirt?’ But I didn’t read or see too much about it because I only had one goal. I wanted this number and I just wanted to shine with it and have fun. And if we’re honest, the number doesn’t play; I’m the one who plays.”
Yıldız’s football isn’t the only thing about him beyond his years. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of being an elite footballer, but he knows his priorities. In August 2023, after former boss Massimiliano Allegri handed Yıldız his debut against Udinese, Allegri praised his quality but also complained: “He touched his hair a hundred times. He has to have it cut tomorrow and then let’s take things from there.”
The very next day, Yıldız was at the barbers to get a trim, then sent his manager a message. “Mister, football comes first. Everything you say, I’m going to do – because you’re the boss!” It speaks volumes about his mentality and willingness to take advice on board. “I went through a lot when I was in the youth team,” he says. “I was one of the youngest, always playing with older players. There were certain things I had to listen to, and I would say that makes you stronger when you’re young.”
Accepting criticism positively while maintaining your individuality is a tough juggling act, but Yıldız’s inner confidence helps him strike a healthy balance. “If you have self-belief on the pitch, you can deal with anything, and that is one of my biggest strengths.”
If Yıldız sounds remarkably grounded, that’s because he is – every bit the product of his upbringing. “[My parents] are the reason I have achieved all of this,” he explains. “I was with my best friends Can and Bojan back then, and we went to the pitch every day. Even after I had team training, I still went back to the pitch and I’d stay for five more hours until midnight or so. My parents really shaped everything for me. My mother was responsible for everything with school and looking after me when my father was at work. My father worked from 6am until 5pm, came home and went straight to the football pitch with me in his work clothes. It was like that every day. I owe them everything.”
For someone like Yıldız, with such a good head on his young shoulders, the sky is the limit. And that’s exactly what he’s shooting for. “Everyone knows [my dream]: to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and the World Cup.” With his hunger and his talent, you wouldn’t bet against it.
Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!
As the seasons go by, the idea that players enter their prime in their mid-20s looks increasingly past its sell-by date. Gone are the days when teenage talents would develop steadily through the ranks and work their way up to the first team over a few years. Today, the reins to some of the biggest clubs in the world are in the new generation’s hands before they’re even old enough to drive.
Take Kenan Yıldız. The German-born Türkiye playmaker was snapped up by Juventus aged 17 in 2022 and was likened to the greatest player ever to represent the Bianconeri after barely a single season under his belt. The comparisons to Alessandro Del Piero are naturally flattering, but during our chat with Yıldız in October, he resists getting too caught up in them. “I always say I don’t like the comparisons between us because he’s a legend, he’s finished his career and I’ve just started. I want to bring my own legacy, my own story.”
So which of Yıldız’s traits spark memories of Del Piero? A right-footed attacking midfielder but also very dangerous with his less dominant left? Check. Exceptionally creative, loves to operate in half-spaces and can pose a threat from the flank? Check. An agile dribbler who can glide past opponents? Check. Exceptional ball-striking technique that blends power and curve? Check. That last bit has been showcased in Juve’s opening Champions League fixture for two seasons running, the latest a stunning curling finish against Borussia Dortmund that bore a striking resemblance to Del Piero’s first Champions League goal in September 1995… against the same opponents, also aged 20.
All that isn’t to deny that the Juve No10 shirt weighs heavily, but Yıldız is just glad to shoulder it. “As a kid, you always wanted the No10 and now I’m wearing it at a club like this,” he says. “At the beginning, I was thinking, ‘Oh God, will I be able to do it in the No10 shirt?’ But I didn’t read or see too much about it because I only had one goal. I wanted this number and I just wanted to shine with it and have fun. And if we’re honest, the number doesn’t play; I’m the one who plays.”
Yıldız’s football isn’t the only thing about him beyond his years. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of being an elite footballer, but he knows his priorities. In August 2023, after former boss Massimiliano Allegri handed Yıldız his debut against Udinese, Allegri praised his quality but also complained: “He touched his hair a hundred times. He has to have it cut tomorrow and then let’s take things from there.”
The very next day, Yıldız was at the barbers to get a trim, then sent his manager a message. “Mister, football comes first. Everything you say, I’m going to do – because you’re the boss!” It speaks volumes about his mentality and willingness to take advice on board. “I went through a lot when I was in the youth team,” he says. “I was one of the youngest, always playing with older players. There were certain things I had to listen to, and I would say that makes you stronger when you’re young.”
Accepting criticism positively while maintaining your individuality is a tough juggling act, but Yıldız’s inner confidence helps him strike a healthy balance. “If you have self-belief on the pitch, you can deal with anything, and that is one of my biggest strengths.”
If Yıldız sounds remarkably grounded, that’s because he is – every bit the product of his upbringing. “[My parents] are the reason I have achieved all of this,” he explains. “I was with my best friends Can and Bojan back then, and we went to the pitch every day. Even after I had team training, I still went back to the pitch and I’d stay for five more hours until midnight or so. My parents really shaped everything for me. My mother was responsible for everything with school and looking after me when my father was at work. My father worked from 6am until 5pm, came home and went straight to the football pitch with me in his work clothes. It was like that every day. I owe them everything.”
For someone like Yıldız, with such a good head on his young shoulders, the sky is the limit. And that’s exactly what he’s shooting for. “Everyone knows [my dream]: to win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and the World Cup.” With his hunger and his talent, you wouldn’t bet against it.
Available now
Issue 25
Get your copy for interviews with Eberechi Eze, José Mourinho, Kenan Yıldız and more...
Türkiye have quietly built a bank of terrific young players, and really seem to have nailed down the fundamentals for producing sensational attacking midfielders to supplement Yıldız. Arda Güler and Can Uzun, also both 20, are two striking examples. The pair are supremely gifted at playing through tight spaces, while Güler’s set-piece deliveries are lethal and Uzun’s 1v1 prowess is devastating. At the defensive end, they have two imposing 19-year-olds. First, the towering Yusuf Akçiçek, with his strong frame and aggressive tackling. Yasin Özcan is the perfect partner, boasting pace and athleticism that make him a versatile asset at centre-back or left-back. Put all these guys together with slightly more experienced names such as Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün, and you could have all the ingredients for sustained international success.
Insight
On the rise
Türkiye’s next generation making waves
Türkiye have quietly built a bank of terrific young players, and really seem to have nailed down the fundamentals for producing sensational attacking midfielders to supplement Yıldız. Arda Güler and Can Uzun, also both 20, are two striking examples. The pair are supremely gifted at playing through tight spaces, while Güler’s set-piece deliveries are lethal and Uzun’s 1v1 prowess is devastating. At the defensive end, they have two imposing 19-year-olds. First, the towering Yusuf Akçiçek, with his strong frame and aggressive tackling. Yasin Özcan is the perfect partner, boasting pace and athleticism that make him a versatile asset at centre-back or left-back. Put all these guys together with slightly more experienced names such as Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün, and you could have all the ingredients for sustained international success.
Insight
On the rise
Türkiye’s next generation making waves
Türkiye have quietly built a bank of terrific young players, and really seem to have nailed down the fundamentals for producing sensational attacking midfielders to supplement Yıldız. Arda Güler and Can Uzun, also both 20, are two striking examples. The pair are supremely gifted at playing through tight spaces, while Güler’s set-piece deliveries are lethal and Uzun’s 1v1 prowess is devastating. At the defensive end, they have two imposing 19-year-olds. First, the towering Yusuf Akçiçek, with his strong frame and aggressive tackling. Yasin Özcan is the perfect partner, boasting pace and athleticism that make him a versatile asset at centre-back or left-back. Put all these guys together with slightly more experienced names such as Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Yunus Akgün, and you could have all the ingredients for sustained international success.
