The Youngest Player At The World Cup: Who Is Daniel Arzani?

Daniel Arzani has played one season of professional soccer, and his performances have earned him a spot on the Australian team for the World Cup. But how has the 19 year-old taken the A-League by storm, and how did he manage to book his ticket on the plane to Russia after one season with Melbourne City to become the youngest player at World Cup 2018?

Arzani was born in Iran but moved to Sydney, Australia, when he was 7. He was in an international tug-of-war between Iran and Australia, as both wanted him to play for their respective national sides. In the end, the country Arzani has spent most of his life in won the battle.

Embed from Getty Images

He made a handful of appearances for his club Melbourne City in the 2016-17 A-League season, but he really made a name for himself in the 2017-18 A-League season. His performances earned him the A-League Young Footballer of the Year award, as well as a spot in the A-League Team of the Season. Not bad for his first proper season at Melbourne City if you ask us. 

There were plenty of calls from Australian fans to give Arzani a chance in the national team. People were hoping Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk would give him a chance in friendlies against Norway and Colombia, but it did not happen. Instead, van Marwijk took a gamble on him by initially including him in the 30-man squad for the Socceroos. Eventually, he survived the cuts to a squad of 27 and subsequently the final 23-man squad for to become the youngest player at World Cup 2018.

Arzani made his debut for the Socceroos when he came on as a substitute in their 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic on June 1. Then, in only his second game for the Socceroos and a minute after he came on as a substitute against Hungary, he scored. In addition to opening up his account for the Aussies, he made a key pass in the build-up for the Socceroos’ final goal in a 2-1 win. 

With a strong performance against the Hungarians, Australian fans are desperate to see him start against France in their opening game in Group C at the World Cup. Will Arzani start that match? Who knows. What we do know for sure is that Arzani looks like he has a bright future ahead of himself. He might even earn a big move to a European club. Anything is possible for the youngest player at World Cup 2018.