Tom Oldfield

Francesc Fàbregas Soler—know to soccer fans worldwide as Cesc Fàbregas—is one of the most exciting young talents in the sport today. A gifted playmaker with a maturity beyond his years, he has already established himself as a vital part of the Arsenal first team, bringing skill, vision, and incredible creativity to Arsène Wenger’s young side. Born in Catalonia, Spain, in 1987, Fàbregas began his career as a trainee at DC Barcelona, where he was a prolific goalscorer for the youth team. Signed by Arsenal at the age of just 16, Fàbregas became the youngest player to turn out for the Gunners, at 16 years and 177 days. He went on to break more records, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the club when he found the net in Arsenal’s 5–1 League Cup victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsène Wenger had intended Fàbregas to hone his skills in League Cup games but injuries to Patrick Vieira, Edu, and Gilberto Silva in 2004 gave him the chance to break into the first team and prove himself at the highest level. After becoming the second youngest player ever to score a Champions League goal, he rounded off the 2004/5 season by winning his first honours with Arsenal, starting for the club in the FA Cup final where they beat Manchester Unites on penalties. When Patrick Vieira signed for Juventus in 2005, Fàbregas began to feature more regularly in the Arsenal midfield. Although there were concerns that he lacked the power and aggression to replace the fiery Frenchman, he soon developed his own playing style and proved to fans, pundits, and opposition players that he was a force to be reckoned with. His obvious flair for the game earned him a place in the Spanish national team, and he became the youngest Spanish player to take part in the World Cup during the 2006 finals. Despite interest from several top clubs, including Real Madrid, Fàbregas was determined to stay with Arsenal, and his loyalty was rewarded with an eight-year extension to his contract. Fàbregas is now seen as a talisman, revered by fans and lauded by commentators, His amazing story shows how he had matured into a strong, charismatic soccer player who many believe can inspire Arsène Wenger’s rejuvenated Arsenal team to take their place at the very top of the English game.

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