Spain

Fernando José Torres Sanz Premier Cup: Atlético Madrid 1999, MVP

“I really loved my Premier Cup experience with Atlético because it gave me and my team-mates a taste of what life as a professional footballer would be like. The chance for kids to play against teams from all over Europe is just incredible. If I could give them some advice it would be to listen and learn, play with passion and try their best every minute of every game.”

‘el Nino’ Fernando Torres was Tournament MVP in Reggio Emilia, Italy, when Atlético were crowned Premier Cup European Champions.

Voted Best Player and Top Scorer at both the European U-16 & U-19 Championships, Torres made his La Liga debut at just 17 years-of-age. Two years later he became the youngest club captain in Atletico’s history and made his international debut against Portugal.

A key member of the national team during Euro 2004 and the main striker for Spain during the 2006 World Cup, Torres became the most expensive Spanish football player in history when he moved to English Premiership team Liverpool in the summer of 2007. He soon became a firm favourite with fans and was voted Liverpool’s Young Player of the Year.

One of an incredible SIX Premier Cup “old boys” leading Spain to their first European Championship since 1964, (alongside Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas and Reyes) Torres won Man of the Match after scoring a memorable goal in the final to secure the 2008 Euro Champions title.

Francesc Fábregas Soler Premier Cup: FC Barcelona 2002

“The Premier Cup is a good experience for all young players. It conditions you to play in a tournament at a high competitive level. At that age this can be a valuable experience that you can use later in your professional career.”

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. He was also an important part of the Spanish team to lift the Euro 2008 trophy, their first European Championship since 1964.

Andrés Iniesta Premier Cup: FC Barcelona 1999

Andrés Iniesta joined Barça as a twelve-year-old in 1996 after he was spotted playing for Albacete. Voted Tournament MVP when FC Barcelona played host to the Premier Cup World Finals, he scored 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 against FC Bruges at just 18-years-of-age.

An incredibly hard-working, natural and versatile player, Iniesta is skillful both on the ball and in his passing game. His ability to hold midfield or play a more attacking role has ensured that he is a regular first choice for both club and country.

He played a key role in the Spanish national team that won both the U-16 & U-19 European Championships in 2001 & 2002 and joined the national team for the 2006 World Cup. He was an integral part of the successful Euro 2008 team which gave Spain their first European trophy in 34 years.

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, Barça 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. In the summer of 2008, Pique returned to FC Barcelona.

A member of the Spanish team that won the UEFA U-19 Championship, Piqué also helped his national team to the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-finals and made his full international debut against England in 2009.

“Xavi” Hernández Premier Cup: Barcelona 1994

Xavi quickly established himself in the senior side and continues to play a key role in the success of Barcelona.

He won a silver medal at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, and 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. He played a key part in the team which lifted the Euro 2008 Championship Trophy and was voted Player of the Tournament by UEFA Officials.

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, joining Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid before moving to Portugal with Benfica.

Iker Casillas Premier Cup: Real Madrid 1995

First choice goalkeeper for club and country, as well as Captain at Spain’s recent Euro 2008 Championship title, Casillas has played for his beloved Real Madrid since he was eight years old, quickly progressing through the ranks to the senior side.

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. He currently plays for FC Castellón.

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 U-17 level and moved from Swiss Super League team Grasshopper-Club Zurich to English Championship team Barnsley.

Corona Premier Cup: Real Madrid 1995

Casillas’ Premier Cup team-mate Corona also progressed to the senior side before transferring to R. Zaragoza although he now plays for UD Almería.