With names like Diego Luna, Joshua Wynder, and Kobi Henry stealing headlines, the USL Championship has quickly become the hub for nurturing young talents. And among one of the hottest names in 2023 has been Charleston Battery’s fleet-footed midfielder, Fidel Barajes.
Hailing from Sacramento, California, Fidel Barajas journeyed through youth academies at the Sacramento Republic and the San Jose Earthquakes before inking a pro deal with USL Championship club Charleston Battery on September 3, 2022. Just a few weeks later he marked his professional debut with an assist and immediately started turning heads.
His 2022 season saw just three appearances and a small taste of professional soccer, but fast forward to 2023, and Barajas started making history.
He notched his first professional goal on March 25, and even grabbed an assist as well, earning himself a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week. Then, on July 22, 2023, he dished out two assists against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, making him the fourth-youngest player ever to achieve this feat.
He continued his remarkable journey with a brace against FC Tulsa on September 22, becoming the ninth-youngest player in league history to record a two-goal game.
In just one short year he has already become one of the top young talents in professional football, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Just a couple of weeks ago he was honored by The Guardian as one of the best young players worldwide.
His remarkable rise in the football world has also caught the attention of American online sportsbooks, who are closely monitoring his every move on the field. With his incredible skill and determination, he's not only gaining recognition globally but also becoming a favorite among avid sports bettors eager to wager on his upcoming games. It's clear that this talented athlete's journey is just beginning, and his impact on the sport and the betting industry is set to grow even further.
Fidel Barajas is the first USL Championship player to make The Guardian's Next Generation 2023 list, joining other young talents from football giants like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG. Some homegrown talent that’s made the list in previous years include Christian Pulisic, Alphonso Davies, and Tim Weah, all of whom have gone on to make their mark in Europe.
Simply put, it's been a stellar year for Barajas both in club and international play. He helped Mexico win the Concacaf U-17 Championship back in February, knocking in seven goals in 19 appearances, and has continued to impress for the Battery, leading in assists and contributing with goals. All of which has helped fuel the interest he's generating from European powerhouses in Germany, Scotland, and beyond.
His contract with the Battery expires in November. Only time will tell what the future holds for this young sensation, but you can expect to see a lot more of him in the coming years. At just 17 years old, he’s already made quite the impact and could very well take the football world by storm once he signs with a European giant. So, keep your bets sharp, and get ready to witness the rise of this incredible talent; Fidel Barajas is a name you'll want to remember.
