All Articles

Mar 17, 20231 min read

FC Nordsjælland and Right To Dream: Developing talent in a socially responsible way

‘I think a lot of Right To Dream players make it to the top because of our characters.’ - midfielder Abu Francis (21)

Mar 16, 20237 min read

The biggest talents in 11 European leagues, according to football journalists

Who are the most talented up-and-coming players in Europe? The Monday League asked several European football journalists.

Mar 16, 202311 min read

Hair loss, extreme pressure, low self-esteem; the mental side of youth academies we do not see

INTERVIEW - Psychologist Julie van Bennekom (33) is extremely worried about the serious mental health issues children develop from playing.

Mar 14, 20235 min read

The difficult journey of ex-wonderkid Mathias Bossaerts: ‘The pressure was huge’

Bossaerts was widely regarded as one of the biggest Belgian talents when he moved to Man City. But at the age of 26, he ended his career.

Mar 14, 20234 min read

OPINION – We should not be disappointed when young footballers move abroad

Why is there always a feeling of disappointment when young footballers move abroad before making their debut? It is not such a bad thing.

Mar 14, 20239 min read

REPORT - Mathias Bossaerts and Aimane Mdouari are coaching the next generation at Hoogstraten VV

Aimane en Mathias both played at the highest level and are now coaches. 'Football can be very tough, people underestimate that'.

Mar 14, 20239 min read

The awakening of sleeping giant Lierse K. by innovative youth development: ‘It is all about growth'

With a small budget, Lierse K. is trying to reestablish itself as a top-flight club in Belgium. The focus lays on youth from their region.

Mar 14, 20233 min read

The 5 next big stars in the Portuguese league: Bamba, Chermiti, Silva...

Portugal has long been at the heart of producing talents for European top clubs. Who are the next players that could move for millions?

Mar 14, 20234 min read

A youth career filled with pressure and injuries: ‘One day you are a star, the next day a failure'

Aimane Mdouari had a tough youth career filled with injuries and pressure. 'I sometimes doubt whether I managed to get everything out of it'

Mar 14, 20233 min read

Data reveals: Young footballers most likely to get playing time in the Danish Superliga

The Danish football clubs give most minutes to players under 22. The league sets a perfect example of maximising talent development.

The Monday League