Yvandro Borges Sanches: A Football Star in the Making

A profile of one of Luxembourg’s rising talents

It wasn't too long ago that Luxembourg was considered a "minnow's minnow" of European football. Wins came once in a blue moon and the nation had little to no luck in gracing Europe's top leagues.

However, in 2016 after taking inspiration from Iceland's success, the FA decided on a different approach. More focus was placed on producing young talent capable of moving the national team forward.

Results on the pitch have since improved, culminating in a famous 1-0 win against Ireland in Dublin. In September, Sébastien Thill became the first Luxembourger to score in the Champions League, with his match-winning screamer against Real Madrid for Sheriff, and 21-year-old Mainz midfielder Leandro Barreiro has 48 Bundesliga appearances and 31 senior caps to his name already.

The next step for the improving nation is producing a truly top-class talent. Step forward, Yvandro Borges Sanches. The 17-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach attacker already has 4 international caps and 1 goal to his name and is causing quite a stir in his homeland.

Yvandro Borges Sanches’ Early Years

Borges Sanches was born in Luxembourg City on 24th May 2004 to parents from Cape Verde. He spent 4 years progressing through the ranks of local club Racing-Union before catching the eye of Gladbach who signed him in July 2020.

Yvandro Borges Sanches and Football

The 17-year-old operates anywhere behind the striker, capable of playing off either flank or centrally. At international level he has played in all 3 positions, showing a maturity that belies his tender age.

It’s hard to tell his true natural position given his lack of experience at the top level, but his versatility will do him no harm as he progresses through the age groups.

The Luxembourger has yet to make his senior club bow, currently turning out for Monchengladbach's under 19 side having progressed from the under 17s. Hopefully, his international progression will be enough to earn him a chance in the Gladbach first team sooner rather than later, although Die Fohlen seems happy to play the long game with Borges Sanches' talent.

The youngster’s talent will be hard to ignore if he continues on the same upward trajectory.

Yvandro Borges Sanches' Strong Points

Borges Sanches is a highly skilful attacker with bundles of energy and pace. At youth level, his physical and technical qualities are clear to see. He does not shirk on his defensive responsibilities, a trait rarely seen in a forward so young.

As a predominantly right-footed player, he likes to cut in from the left wing to open shooting and passing opportunities. He possesses a neat trick or 2, and couple that with his natural pace he is a nightmare for any opposition. His ability to commit defenders at will and involve his teammates are all indicators of a top talent.

At 5ft9, he is not yet the complete package. While he shows great strength for his age, the next step in his progression will be his physicality. Once he has developed this side of his game, his potential is immense.

With his direct style of play, skilful manipulation of the ball and ability to involve his teammates, Borges Sanches' football style is reminiscent of a young Joe Cole.

Yvandro Borges Sanches’ International Debut

At 17 and without a senior appearance to his name, Borges Sanches was called up to the senior national team in August 2021 for September's round of fixtures. He made his debut in a 4-1 defeat to Serbia on 4th September 2021, coming off the bench in the final minute. It was in his next appearance when he announced himself, playing the full 90 minutes of a 1-1 draw with 2022 Football World Cup hosts Qatar, and finally scoring in the 31st minute.

His performance earned him rave reviews, giving Luxembourgers plenty of cause for optimism. 2 more caps have followed, including a further 90 minutes in a narrow loss to Serbia and 45 minutes in a sobering 5-0 loss to Portugal. After impressing on the international stage, he will hopefully make his breakthrough at club level soon.

The Luxembourg Football Federation's hard work off the field is paying dividends on it, with 4 teenagers plying their trade in Germany and making their international debuts in the last 12 months. The future certainly looks bright, with 18 year-olds Timothé Rupil (Mainz, midfielder) and Eldin Dzogovic (Magdeburg, defender) also big names to look out for.