U17 World Cup Sensation
The U17 World Cup in Qatar is showcasing the stars of tomorrow, and one player who is grabbing attention is Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, known as ‘Dell’. The Brazilian striker has made a significant impact during the group stages, further enhancing his already growing reputation.
Previous U17 World Cup alumni includes the likes of Neymar, Eden Hazard, and Phil Foden, and Dell is being touted as the next breakout star. The 17-year-old has netted three goals in Brazil’s three matches, including a brace in the impressive 7-0 rout of Honduras and a crucial equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Zambia. His play has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, prompting us to delve deeper into his capabilities with insights from Brazilian experts.
Who is Dell?
Dell built his reputation at Bahia’s youth academy, where he showcased his goalscoring prowess. In 2023, he recorded an impressive 40 goals, catching the attention of national selectors. Dell also became the top scorer as Brazil clinched victory at the U15 South American Championships in 2024, and now he is thriving at the U17 level.
However, renowned Brazilian sports journalist and Transfermarkt writer Thiago Rabelo noted that Dell might not be the most highly-rated prospect in Brazil. He stated, “He isn’t even the most gifted prospect from the next Brazilian generation. Notable talents like Ângelo, Gabriel Mec, Kauã Prates, who was not released by Cruzeiro for the U17 World Cup, and Ryan Roberto, a promising player at Flamengo not summoned by coach Dudu Patetucci, are ahead of him.”
Erling Haaland Comparisons
Dell has been dubbed the ‘Erling Haaland of Sertão’—the Portuguese word for hinterland—but their styles are quite different. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, the Brazilian prodigy shares more in common with fellow South Americans Sergio Agüero or Julián Alvarez. His speed and finishing skills are his standout traits. Rabelo emphasized, “Dell is a player to keep an eye on closely. His most significant strength is his goal-scoring ability, a coveted trait for any club. Though dubbed the Haaland of Sertão, he isn’t considered Bahia’s top talent, as the spotlight is on Ruan Pablo, a robust and fast player who has already made his debut.”
Despite the comparisons, Dell embraces the Haaland moniker, citing the Manchester City star as an inspiration: “I’m thrilled to receive this nickname,” he shared with ESPN in a recent interview. “Haaland inspires many. His videos, both within and outside the box, are ones I enjoy watching. I believe my movements are similar to his.”
Which Clubs Are Eyeing Dell?
Unsurprisingly, Dell has caught the attention of major European clubs, with scouts from top teams observing him in Qatar. It is believed that Manchester City is the most likely destination for him in the future, given that City Group owns 90% of Bahia. The group has made considerable investments in Bahia’s youth system with the goal of nurturing elite prospects, seeing Dell, Ruan Pablo, and Kauê Furquim as potential stars. Dell has openly voiced his ambitions, stating, “I dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, which is the best club in the world in my opinion.”
