With the 22nd edition of the FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup approaching, it is time to look back at one of the most remarkable campaigns in recent memory – that of Venezuela making their way to the final of the tournament. It would end in a 1-0 loss to England, but it was a remarkable achievement from a federation that had never participated in the final of a major international tournament or qualified for the World Cup proper.
The 2017 U20 World Cup was only La Vinotinto’s second appearance in the younger-level of the tournament. After a fascinating run through the group and knockout stages of the tournament, La Vinotinto faced an England squad full of talents like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Cook, Dominic Solanke, Ademola Lookman, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The run and burst of fame led to transfers to bigger clubs and leagues for the Vinotinto U20 squad, and the group to be named a golden generation. With Venezuelan footballers often struggling to break into the world’s top leagues, the burst of attention for this golden generation was indeed a game changer.
Where is that golden generation now? While some have found their careers largely cemented where they seemed determined to go prior to the world cup, others have managed to ride the wave to big clubs, big leagues, and international acclaim.