Cesc Fàbregas

Francesc Fàbregas Soler (born May 4, 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Catalonia, Spain), is one of the hottest young stars in English football, playing for Arsenal. Arsenal signed him from FC Barcelona in the middle of 2003 (angering the Spanish giants a great deal) when Fàbregas failed to sign a professional contract with Barcelona.

Fàbregas made his team debut in a League Cup tie at home to Rotherham United, and in doing so became Arsenal's youngest ever first-team player. Although this doesn't count for any record, he converted a penalty in a penalty shoot-out, which the Gunners won 9-8. He then became the youngest goal scorer in Arsenal's history in a later round of the League Cup, scoring from very close range in a 5-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It wasn't until the start of the 2004-2005 season that 'Cesc' started making first team appearances. First it was against Manchester United in the Community Shield and then four successive Premier League starts against Everton, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City. Fàbregas shone brilliantly in his first four appearances, even claiming a goal against Blackburn Rovers in a historic 3-0 victory.

He also played in the match against Aston Villa at home, which the Gunners won 3-1.

On December 7, 2004, 'Cesc' scored Arsenal's third goal in a 5-1 UEFA Champions League victory against Rosenborg of Norway, making him the second youngest goalscorer in the history of the competition. He has been touted as one of Spain's next generation footballers.