Player who came through the club's youth system. La Masia (Barcelona), Carrington (United) are famous academies.
Definition: Player who came through the club's youth system. La Masia (Barcelona), Carrington (United) are famous academies.
Academy graduates are players developed by the club from youth. La Masia (Barcelona) produced Messi, Xavi, Iniesta. Manchester United's Class of '92 (Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Nevilles) is legendary. Modern famous academies: Ajax, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP (Cristiano), Benfica.