Young R&G talents gain valuable experience in Europe
Six promising young players from South America took advantage of a unique opportunity, as part of the partnership with …
Two R&G talents invited to join national teams
Red&Gold Football is thrilled to see two of its most promising talents on the biggest international stage: Both Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (18, Senegal) and Yuri Oyarzo (18, Uruguay) have been invited by their respective national associations to join the national team in preparation for the World Cup.
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye: Senegal’s surprise pick for the World Cup squad
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye of the Gambinos Stars Africa, currently on loan at FC Bayern München, was named by national team coach Pape Thiaw as one of two trialists in Senegal’s preliminary World Cup squad. Alongside stars like Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, he traveled to the U.S. last week.
On May 31, Bara made his debut in the World Cup warm-up match against the U.S. in Charlotte – and impressed across the board: For 90 minutes, he controlled the central midfield, played with courage and composure, and thrilled the crowd with his creativity and exceptional movement. His performance was rewarded: Bara is now part of the final 26-man squad of the “Lions of Teranga” for the World Cup and has good reason to hope for further appearances.
Just six months ago, Bara watched the Africa Cup of Nations final as a fan in front of the TV – now he’s on the field himself alongside his idols. The past few months have been a real high for him: a loan to FC Bayern München, his Bundesliga debut against FC St. Pauli, winning the double, and now his call-up to the national team and participation in the World Cup.
(Pictures: fsfofficielle)
Yuri Oyarzo: From Rivera to La Celeste
Yuri Oyarzo, left-back for Racing de Montevideo, has once again been nominated by Uruguay’s national team coach Marcelo Bielsa as a training partner for the senior national team. This continues a long-standing Uruguayan tradition of introducing young talents to the highest international level at an early stage. Oyarzo is currently training with stars like Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez, and Ronald Araújo – a personal highlight for the 18-year-old, who, like Araújo, hails from Rivera. “He came up to me and said, ‘From Rivera to the world’ – I didn’t even know what to say. Before he left, Araújo stopped me to take a photo together – an absolute legend,” said Oyarzo.
The versatile and agile left-back has earned a starting spot at Racing this season, recently won the Apertura title, and extended his contract early through the end of 2028. Last year, he won the R&G Global Trophy at the FC Bayern Campus with Racing’s U19 team. The repeat call-up to the national team is another milestone – and offers hope for further nominations, such as for next year’s U20 South American Championship.
(Pictures: aufoficial)
Red&Gold Football warmly congratulates Yuri and Bara on these great achievements and wishes them both the best of luck in their future endeavors – especially Bara at the upcoming World Cup in the U.S.!
