Juventus’ Yildiz is one of a kind

Juventus FC fans saw him celebrate by sticking out his tongue, just like their hero Alessandro Del Piero used to do. And after a classic Del Piero-style goal, with a curled right-footed finish that kissed the post on its way in, the comparisons came flooding in. Kenan Yildiz had made his mark with the first goal of the new 2024/25 UEFA Champions League league phase.

Up to that point, the youngest Juventus scorer in the Champions League had been none other than Del Piero himself, but with his strike against PSV last year, the young Turkish superstar rewrote history. “I’m happy it was you that broke my record and even better, you did it in the same number 10 shirt,” the FIFA World Cup™ winner told him, as an emotional Yildiz fought back tears.

But on Sunday in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ against Wydad AC, Yildiz made it clear he’s not just carrying on Del Piero’s legacy – he’s creating one of his own.

His second goal demonstrated it perfectly. A textbook half-volley into the top corner, the kind of goal that kids dream of scoring. At just 20, Yildiz already boasts a seemingly endless skill set and he put it on full display during Juventus’ 4-1 victory. It was a performance sure to make the world take notice.

In the sixth minute, a deflection off Abdelmounaim Boutouil saw him denied credit for Juventus’ opener, but the second was all his. Named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, he tried to deflect the spotlight with the same ease he uses to glide past defenders. “I’m proud of the team”, he told FIFA, downplaying his own performance.

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After delivering one of the goals of the tournament in the first half, he kept up the intensity after the break. Midway through the second half, Randal Kolo Muani played him in one-on-one with the keeper, then took a touch that doubled as a dribble, followed by a smooth, pinpoint finish into the far corner.

It was a moment that captured his class. But if you ask Igor Tudor what his greatest asset is, it isn’t Yildiz’s flair. “He is mentally really strong and makes runs like a midfielder,” said Tudor.

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Yildiz is the product of his own hard work. He’s humble, consistent, and ready to shoulder the huge responsibility that comes with wearing the No10 shirt for one of the most iconic clubs in football. In 50 appearances this season, he has racked up 11 goals and seven assists, and in the next contest against Manchester City, he’ll be looking to make his mark once again.

Juventus have scored nine goals in their first two matches at the tournament, netting five against Al Ain FC and four against Wydad. With Yildiz joining forces up front with Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao, Juventus are shaping up to be the tournament’s dark horse and one of its most dangerous attacking teams. Only FC Bayern München and SL Benfica can compete.

While the front three grab the headlines, it’s Khephren Thuram who provides the team’s balance, and he was full of praise for the young Turkish star. “He’s an extraordinary player, even at such a young age,” said Thuram. “He shows great maturity and he’s really talented. In every match, as a team we try to push him forward and let him do what he does best.”

After just two games, the question already being asked is whether Yildiz is the breakout star of this tournament. We can’t wait to find out.