Spain
Francesc Fábregas Soler - Premier Cup: FC Barcelona 2002
Another product of the FC Barcelona youth academy and Premier Cup team-mate to Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué, "Cesc" Fabregas was snapped up by English Premiership club Arsenal in September 2003. He made history for his new club by becoming their youngest ever first team player and the youngest goal scorer in Arsenal's history.
Fabregas won the Golden Boot and the most valuable player award at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. A key member of the Spanish squad in the 2004 UEFA U-17 European Championship, he scored a vital last minute goal to take the team through to the final. He also starred for Spain at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, making his senior debut in an exhibition match against China in March 2005.
Named in the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year, "Cesc" has also been nominated for both PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.
Gérard Piqué Bernabeu - Premier Cup: FC Barcelona 2002
Gerard Piqué came through the FC Barcelona academy, alongside Premier Cup team-mates Lionel Messi and Francesc Fabregas. Although highly regarded as the "Dream Team" of the tournament, Barca lost out in their national final to Atlético de Madrid.
Piqué moved to Manchester United in the summer of 2004; made his Premiership debut as a late substitute for John O'Shea in November 2005 and his full debut in March 2006. However, in order to gain match experience, Sir Alex Ferguson agreed to his loan to Real Zaragoza. Shortly after his return to Old Trafford, Piqué scored in his UEFA Champions League debut against FC Dynamo Kiev.
A member of the Spanish team that won the UEFA Under-19 Championship, Piqué also helped his national team to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup quarter finals.
Andrés Iniesta - Premier Cup: FC Barcelona 1999
Iniesta was tournament MVP when FC Barcelona played host to the Premier Cup World Finals, scoring a number of crucial goals including the golden goal which brought victory over Argentina's Rosario Central and the world title. He quickly graduated to the senior team, making his La Liga debut at just 18-years-old. Currently rated as one of FC Barcelona's best players, he played a key role in the Spanish national team that won both the U16 & U19 European Championships in 2001 and 2002, and joined the national team for the World Cup. Andres currently plays for FC Barcelona as a regular starter and played a key role last year for Barça winning La Liga and the Champions league.
"Xavi" Hernández - Premier Cup: Barcelona 1994
Xavi quickly established himself in the club's senior side and won a silver medal at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. He went on to represent his country in the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 and secured his place in the national team for Spain's 2006 World Cup campaign. Xavi continues to play a key role in Barça's success story.
Mario Rosas - Premier Cup: Barcelona 1994
Rosas played alongside Xavi in the first ever Premier Cup for Barcelona and has gained experience with both the Real Madrid senior team and the New York/New Jersey MetroStars before returning to Spain with Cadiz.
Miguel Torres Gomez – Premier Cup: Real Madrid 2001
Miguel Torres Gomez has played for Real Madrid since he was just twelve years of age and is now a regular starter in the senior side. He has also played for the U-21 national team.
Diego León – Premier Cup: Real Madrid 1999
Léon played in the World Finals in Barcelona, represented his country at U17 level and moved from Swiss Super League team Grasshopper-Club Zurich to English Championship team Barnsley.
Iker Casillas – Premier Cup: Real Madrid 1995
First choice goalkeeper for both club and country, Casillas has played for his beloved Real Madrid since he was eight years old, quickly progressing through the ranks to the senior side
Corona – Premier Cup: Real Madrid 1995
Casillas' Premier Cup team-mate Corona also progressed to the senior side before transferring to R. Zaragoza
Jose Antonio Reyes – Premier Cup: Sevilla 1997 & 1998
Reyes graduated to the Spanish club's senior team at only 17-years-old and made his full International debut for the national squad just days after his 20th birthday. Reyes joined Arsenal in January 2004, but decided to return to Spain with Real Madrid before moving to local rivals Atlético Madrid.
