Next Generation Trophy

Stage for the soccer stars of tomorrow

Recognized? The young Niclas Füllkrug scored for Werder Bremen at the NGT in 2010.(Bild: GEPA/Hans Simonlehner)

The 15th edition of the Next Generation Trophy kicks off on Thursday. Host Salzburg has been waiting for a win at the U16 tournament since 2015.

Curtain up for the stars of tomorrow! The Next Generation Trophy will take place in Salzburg for the 15th time from Thursday to Saturday. The Red Bull Academy is the venue for Europe's most prestigious U16 tournament, and the list of participants is once again top-class. In addition to Salzburg, Chelsea, Leipzig and Benfica are also taking part. "Many teams actively ask us, so we always have to disappoint some of them," says academy boss Manfred Pamminger, proud of the event.

In the past, numerous top talents have played at the Salzach, who later left their mark on world soccer. These include illustrious names such as European champion Alvaro Morata, England's top stars Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, German team striker Niclas Füllkrug and ex-Bulls such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Konrad Laimer.

"We want to win"
Speaking of the Bulls: The hosts have been waiting for a win since 2015. "We don't have to win, but we want to," grins Pamminger.

Next Gen Trophy: Group A: Salzburg, Hoffenheim, Brighton. - B: RB Bragantino, Yeelen, Benfica - C: Leipzig, Valencia, Brøndby. - D: NY Red Bulls, Academia Alemana, Chelsea.