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 HamâÂÂs. By age nine, Gabriel gained widespread attention after a viral YouTube video earned him the nickname âÂÂKid MessiâÂÂ. In March 2025, he signed a long-term sponsorship deal with Nike.
On 5 April 2025, 14-year-old JJ Gabriel became youngest-ever player to play for Manchester UnitedâÂÂs U18 team, scoring twice on his debut in U18 Premier League against Leeds United.
Prior to the 2025âÂÂ26 season, JJ Gabriel was given a shirt number 95 and was permitted to train with the first team of Manchester United. In October, the fifteen-year-old player took part in first team training. On 9 December 2025, he scored in the FA Youth Cup match against Peterborough United at Old Trafford.
Gabriel made his England U15 debut in February 2025.
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.
On November 1, 2025, JJ Gabriel made his England U16 debut in a 3âÂÂ2 loss against Turkey U16, starting the game.
Gabriel made his England U17 debut on 25 March 2026 during a 2027 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification match against Faroe Islands at St George's Park National Football Centre.
JJ Gabriel can best play as a centre-forward or a winger, and his best skills are technique, dribbling, and ball control. He also likes to do tricks.
His father Joe O'Cearuill is a former professional footballer and played for the Republic of Ireland.
Gabriel 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.