12.10.2026 12:03
Lionel Messi, the legendary name of world football, included the Turkish national team's young footballer Can Uzun among the 10 future star candidates he selected for a sports brand. Can Uzun, from Eintracht Frankfurt, the only name chosen from Turkey in the list that does not include Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, was featured alongside young talents such as Max Dowman and Gilberto Mora.
Argentine star Lionel Messi's list of "Future Star Candidates" prepared for a sports brand included a surprise name from Turkey. The list of 10 young talents regarded among the future important stars in world football also included national footballer Can Uzun, who wears the Eintracht Frankfurt jersey.
NEITHER ARDA GÜLER NOR KENAN YILDIZ! MESSI'S PICK IS CAN UZUN
On the list, which does not include Arda Güler, who wears the Real Madrid jersey, or Kenan Yıldız, who plays for Juventus, the only footballer representing Turkey was Can Uzun. The young player continuing his career at Eintracht Frankfurt found a place for himself in Messi's 10-person selection.
THE 10 YOUNG TALENTS ON MESSI'S LIST
The list prepared as part of the Argentine footballer's project with the sports brand included young players from men's and women's football.
The names on Messi's list are as follows:
- - Can Uzun – Turkey / Eintracht Frankfurt
- - Tomas Aranda – Argentina / Boca Juniors
- - Gilberto Mora – Mexico / Tijuana
- - Max Dowman – England / Arsenal
- - Zavier Gozo – USA / Crystal Palace
- - Jesus Rodriguez – Spain / Como 1907
- - Kees Smit – Netherlands / AZ Alkmaar
- - Chloe Sarwie – England / Chelsea Women's Team
- - Giovanna Waksman – Brazil / OL Lyon Women's Team
- - Lotta Wrede – Germany / Hamburg Women's Team
THE ONLY FOOTBALLER FROM TURKEY ON THE LIST
Can Uzun, who also wears the Turkish national team jersey, being on Messi's list was a new example of the interest the young footballer has attracted on the international football stage.
The fact that Can Uzun was preferred on the 10-person list, which does not include notable young names of Turkish football such as Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, stood out.