Aaron Raphael: This 8-year-old from Bengaluru is being called the next Ronaldo or Messi, with Neymar also being his fan
Meet Aaron Raphael, the young football talent from India who is gaining attention on the global stage.
His journey from joining Bengaluru FC’s Young Blues academy at just five years old to training with Finland’s HJK Helsinki reflects remarkable early promise and dedication. He also attracted the attention of Brazilian star Neymar and former World Cup-winning German midfielder Toni Kroos, marking an unforgettable turning point in his career.
Aaron Raphael gained a lot of attention on social media after submitting a video for the KickInto22 challenge launched by Toni Kroos’ football academy. The global competition encouraged participants to showcase their football skills with creative shots.
Aaron’s introduction sees him expertly kicking a football through a moving tire, displaying impressive precision and control. Her video was chosen as the winner from thousands of submissions from around the world.
The announcement was made by former German international and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. Praising the young talent, he said: “He made a really good video and I’m really looking forward to seeing you in Madrid for a private training session.”
Often referred to as the “Young Ronaldo”, Aaron is increasingly gaining a reputation as one of India’s most exciting emerging football prospects. With his rapid rise and international recognition, many believe he represents a bright future for Indian football.
