Springboard to greatness

by Soccer America , Oct 16, 2013

[VIDEO PICK: History] The Under-17 World Cup has been a springboard to greatness for many players since the first tournament -- an under-16 championship -- was held in China in 1985.

Players who have gone on to win World Cup titles include Brazil's Ronaldinho, Italians Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon and Francesco Totti and Spaniards like Iker Casillas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, among others.

On the American front, Landon Donovan starred in the 1999 tournament in New Zealand and Jozy Altidore, a relative unknown at the time, played in the 2005 tournament.

For a look at some of these greats in U-17 action, including a blond-haired Donovan ...