German‑born duo from Bayern spotlighted as U17 World Cup hopefuls

Germany’s junior side missed the spring qualification for the U17 World Cup, yet a dozen German‑based players will feature for other nations. The upcoming tournament in Qatar therefore showcases a contrast between the Deutschland team’s absence and the presence of its home‑grown talent abroad.

The competition kicks off in about a week, with the opening fixtures on Thursday at 14:00 pitting Frankreich against Haiti and New Caledonia against Ecuador. These duels mark the start of the 21st edition of the competition.

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Pass to foreign squads

Rayan Zidane, 17, plays as an offensive midfielder for Bayer 04 Leverkusen U19 and is not related to Zinedine Zidane despite sharing Algerian roots. He has featured in nine matches, scoring two goals with no assists, and reached the quarter‑finals of the U17 Africa Cup with Algeria. At the World Cup he will line up in Group J alongside Chile, Montenegro and the United States, the latter represented by the USA.

Ivan Massek, also 17, operates as a left winger for Bayer 04 Leverkusen U19 and has switched allegiance to Cameroon after missing Germany’s qualification. He will compete in Group K with Mexico, Romania and Venezuela and has amassed 30 appearances, three goals and one assist for Leverkusen’s U19 side.

Aus of German‑born talent

Aviel Hentcho, a 16‑year‑old left winger for FC Bayern Munich U19, vies with Massek for a place in Cameroon’s starting eleven. He recently paused his progress due to a foot injury and has made seven appearances without scoring or assisting.

Rares Silitra, 17, is a striker for Borussia Mönchengladbach U19 who recorded twelve goals for their U17 side last season but has yet to open his account in the U19, with twelve matches, no goals and one assist. Matei Padure, 16, a central midfielder for VfL Wolfsburg, is hailed as a major talent in Romania and remains the youngest in the squad while already featuring for the U19 after progressing from the U17. He has logged ten games, scoring once and providing two assists for Wolfsburg’s U19 team.

David Vajagic, a 1.94‑metre striker for VfL Wolfsburg U19, arrived from Serbia via a two‑year spell in Hungary before joining the club in the summer of 2025. He has played eight matches, netting two goals with no assists, and will contest Group L with Colombia, Japan and Honduras at the World Cup.

Tadija Samardzic, 17, a striker for Arminia Bielefeld U19, grew up in Berlin before moving from Hertha’s youth set‑up to Arminia in the summer. He has recorded eight appearances, three goals and no assists as he battles for a place in Serbia’s attack.

Filip Pavic, 16, a defender for FC Bayern Munich U19, switched allegiance to Croatia ahead of the U17 European Championship and was the third‑youngest Champions League debutant in March. He has featured in three games without scoring or assisting and will line up for Croatia in Group F against Senegal, Tajikistan and Cuba.