| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 6 October 2010 | ||
| Place of birth | England | ||
| Position | Forward | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Manchester United | ||
| Number | 95 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2022– | Manchester United | ||
| International career‡ | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2025 | England U15 | 6 | (0) |
| 2025 | England U16 | 2 | (0) |
| ‡ National team caps and goals as of 18 May 2025 | |||
Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel (born 6 October 2010), commonly known as JJ Gabriel is an English footballer who plays as a forward for the academy of Manchester United.
Gabriel was born to Joe O'Cearuill and a Cypriot Mother. He grew up in London and developed his skills at top academies including Chelsea, Arsenal, and West Ham’s. [1] By age nine, Gabriel gained widespread attention after a viral YouTube video earned him the nickname “Kid Messi”. [2] In March 2025 he signed a long-term sponsorship deal with Nike. [3]
On 5 April 2025 14-year-old JJ Gabriel became youngest-ever player to play for Manchester United’s U18 team, scoring twice on his debut in U18 Premier League against Leeds United. [4] [5]
Prior to season 2025–26 JJ Gabriel was given a shirt number 95 [6] and was permitted to train with the first team of Manchester United. [7] [8] In October fifteen-year-old player took part in first team training. [9]
Gabriel made his England U15 debut in February 2025. [10]
In August 2025, JJ Gabriel turned down an England U16 international call-up for a pair of friendly matches against Italy. His father confirmed that he would instead remain with Manchester United's U18 side. The decision was made because staying with his club was considered more beneficial for his development. [11]
On November 1, 2025, JJ Gabriel made his England U16 debut in a 3–2 loss against Turkey U16, starting the game. [12]
JJ Gabriel can play as a centre-forward or a winger and has a great technique, dribbling and ball control, he also likes to do tricks. [1] [2]
His father Joe O'Cearuill was a professional footballer and played for the Republic of Ireland. [1]
JJ is eligible to play for England, Ireland, Cyprus and Trinidad and Tobago. He was born and raised in the UK, but is eligible to play for other countries thanks to his Irish father, Cypriot mother and Trinidadian grandfather. [13]