40 Facts About Angel Gomes

Early Life and Family

Angel Gomes' journey in football began with a strong family influence and a move that would shape his future. His early years were filled with experiences that laid the foundation for his career.

1. Adilson Angel Abreu de Almeida Gomes was born on August 31, 2000, in Edmonton, Greater London, England. His father, Gil Gomes, a former Portugal under-21 international, played a significant role in Angel's life.

2. The Gomes family relocated to the Manchester area when Gil joined Middlewich Town. They eventually settled in Salford, where Angel grew up, setting the stage for his football journey.

3. Nani, the former Manchester United and Portugal winger, is Angel Gomes' godfather. His influence was immense, providing guidance and inspiration to young Angel.

4. Despite being born in England, Gomes had the option to represent Angola or Portugal internationally. However, he chose to play for England, the country he felt most connected to.

Youth Career and Achievements

Angel's talent was evident from a young age, and his journey through Manchester United's youth system was marked by impressive achievements and leadership.

5. Gomes began training with Manchester United's youth system at just six years old in 2006. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key player in the U15 and U18 teams.

6. At 14, Gomes captained the Manchester United U15 team in the Manchester United Premier Cup. Despite finishing 12th, he was named MVP, showcasing his leadership skills early on.

7. In 2016, Gomes scored three goals against Everton, becoming the third-youngest Manchester United academy player to achieve this feat at just 15 years and 362 days old.

8. During the 2016-2017 season, Gomes sustained an injury in April 2017. Despite this setback, he finished as Manchester United's top goalscorer and was named Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.

Professional Debut and Career Milestones

Angel Gomes' transition from youth to professional football was marked by significant milestones and decisions that shaped his career.

9. On May 21, 2017, Gomes made his first-team debut for Manchester United, replacing Wayne Rooney in the 88th minute of a 2-0 home victory over Crystal Palace. At 16 years and 263 days old, he became the youngest player to represent Manchester United since Duncan Edwards in 1953.

10. On December 13, 2017, Gomes signed his first professional contract with Manchester United, marking a significant milestone in his career.

11. Gomes made his FA Cup debut on January 26, 2018, coming on as an 88th-minute substitute for Marcus Rashford in a 4-0 victory against Yeovil Town in the Fourth Round.

12. After leaving Manchester United, Gomes joined Boavista in Portugal. He made his league debut for the club and registered a hat-trick of assists, earning him man of the match honors.

Move to Lille and International Career

Seeking more playing time and a structured project, Gomes moved to Lille, where he continued to develop and eventually earned a call-up to the England national team.

13. In 2020, Gomes moved to Lille in France, seeking more playing time and a structured project for his future. This move was facilitated by Lille's Portuguese sporting director, Luis Campos.

14. Luis Campos played a crucial role in convincing Gomes to join Lille. Campos had a clear vision for Gomes' career and provided him with the support and sophistication he needed to thrive.

15. Paulo Fonseca, another Portuguese figure, gave Gomes his opportunity at Lille. Fonseca praised Gomes for his intelligence and technical strength, noting his versatility on the field.

16. In September 2024, Gomes received his first senior call-up to the England national team. This selection came after he had established himself as a key player for Lille and had previously represented England at the youth level.

Influence and Legacy

Angel Gomes' career has been shaped by influential figures and personal decisions that have left a lasting impact on his journey.

17. Interim England manager Lee Carsley, who had previously led the U21 team to success in the Euros, played a significant role in Gomes' selection. Carsley's straightforward approach fostered trust among players.

18. Gomes made his debut for the senior England team in the UEFA Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland, marking a significant milestone in his career.

19. Despite the significant Portuguese influence, Gomes has always been committed to representing England. His father, Gil, had conversations with Portuguese FA officials, but Angel's dream was always to play for England.

20. Gomes' eldest brother, Rico, played for Portugal, but Angel chose a different path. This decision was influenced by his father, who wanted him to choose his own path.

21. Gil Gomes played for Portugal's youth teams and was part of the 'golden generation' that won the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championships. Although he never reached the senior level due to an ankle injury, he remained a skilled player throughout his career.

22. During his time playing for New East Manchester FC, Gil Gomes was praised by his coach for his exceptional skills, noting that Gil was better, more skilled, and more adept than many English players.

23. As a treat for Angel's seventh birthday, his father took him to Manchester United's training ground. This visit had a lasting impact on Angel, as he would later join the club's youth academy.

24. Gomes has mentioned that he is inspired by Andres Iniesta and Xavi. These midfield maestros have been a significant influence on his playing style, emphasizing creativity and technical skill.

25. Gomes was tipped to be the next Paul Scholes, a legendary midfielder known for his vision and passing ability. While comparisons are subjective, Gomes' career trajectory suggests potential.

26. In 2017, Gomes captained the England under-17 team to victory in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his career.

27. Two years later, Gomes was part of the England under-21 team that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level in youth competitions.

28. Gomes has made over 50 appearances for England's youth national teams, from under-16 to under-21 level, with impressive statistics.

Career Path and Development

Angel Gomes' career path has been marked by challenges and opportunities that have shaped his development as a player.

29. Gomes' career path has been marked by challenges and opportunities. He left Manchester United to seek more playing time and a structured project for his future, which he found at Lille.

30. The development of players like Gomes highlights the complexities of modern football. His journey underscores the need for clubs to provide adequate playing time and structured projects for young players to thrive.

31. Despite having the option to represent Portugal or Angola, Gomes chose to represent England, reflecting his commitment to the country where he grew up.

32. Gil Gomes' influence on his son's career cannot be overstated. From taking him to Manchester United's training ground to encouraging him to choose his own path, Gil played a pivotal role.

33. Nani, Angel’s godfather, also had a significant impact on his career. Nani’s advice and guidance helped shape Angel’s playing style and provided him with a role model.

34. Gomes has achieved several career milestones, including becoming the youngest player to represent Manchester United since Duncan Edwards and winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup as captain.

35. As of 2024, Gomes is thriving at Lille, contributing to the club’s qualification for the Champions League. His performances have caught the attention of the English national team.

36. Gomes has praised Lee Carsley for his approachable and candid nature. Carsley’s ability to foster trust among players has been instrumental in motivating them to give their best performances.

37. Gomes has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including injuries and the decision to leave Manchester United. However, these challenges have contributed to his growth.

38. With his current form and support from the English national team, Gomes’ future prospects look bright. He is likely to continue playing for both Lille and England.

39. As Gomes continues to play at the highest level, he is building a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. His commitment to England and dedication to improving himself make him an inspiration.

40. Angel Gomes’ story is one of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. From his early days at Manchester United to his current stint with Lille, Gomes has consistently demonstrated the qualities that make him a standout player in modern football.

Angel Gomes: A Rising Star in Football

Angel Gomes' journey from Manchester United's youth academy to Lille and the England national team is a testament to his talent, dedication, and perseverance. Born into a family with deep football roots, he was influenced by his father, Gil Gomes, and godfather, Nani, both of whom played pivotal roles in shaping his career. Despite challenges like injuries and the tough decision to leave Manchester United, Gomes has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel. His achievements, including captaining England's U-17 team to a World Cup victory and making his senior debut for England, highlight his potential to become a key player on the international stage. As he continues to shine at Lille, contributing to their success in the Champions League, Gomes is building a legacy that inspires young footballers worldwide. His story is one of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.