2 publishers · first seen Sat, 07 Nov 2026 08:13 UTC · updated Sun, 08 Nov 2026 06:30 UTC
Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel has expressed his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or as he nears a transfer to Real Madrid. The 16-year-old, who has been training independently in Spain, has reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid, although no formal deal has been signed. Gabriel, who scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut, has obtained a European Union passport, which is expected to facilitate his move outside England. Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if Gabriel leaves, though the amount would be lower if he joins a club outside the Premier League.
Gabriel, who was named the Premier League's Under-18 player of the season last term, has stated that his dream is to win a Ballon d'Or. He was approached by Spanish news outlet Marca, who presented him with a copy of their newspaper featuring a front-page story about his expected move to Real Madrid. The teenager reportedly told them, 'My dream is to win a Ballon d'Or.'
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