Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez Fired Up to Ignite Lyon Revolution

Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most talked-about teenagers, a ruthless finisher whose four goals at this summer’s Under-17 European Championship underlined his class even as England bowed out early. Born in Portsmouth to Venezuelan and Portuguese parents, the 17-year-old has already taken the bold step of swapping Hampshire for Lyon, convinced that regular exposure to Ligue 1’s famed talent conveyor belt will accelerate his journey to the top.

Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez: A Rising Star With Global Roots

Rodriguez’s multicultural background means he could still represent Venezuela or Portugal, yet for now he wears the Three Lions with pride. Coaches at St George’s Park describe him as “obsessed with scoring”, a mindset honed during endless sessions studying Sergio Agüero clips on YouTube. That fixation showed in Hungary, where he struck in every group game and finished joint-top scorer despite England’s early exit.

Why Lyon Bet Big on the England U17 Striker

Lyon’s academy has produced Karim Benzema, Alexandre Lacazette and most recently Rayan Cherki; insiders believe Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez can be the next headline name. Sporting director Bruno Cheyrou moved quickly last year, convincing the youngster and his family that the club’s new “Revolution 24” project — a commitment to promoting academy talent — was the ideal stage. Rodriguez’s 28 goals in 34 youth appearances suggest that faith is well placed.

Style of Play: The Agüero Comparison

Standing 1.73 m with a low centre of gravity, Rodriguez explodes over short distances, making him lethal in the box. Like Agüero, he times blind-side runs to perfection and generates surprising power from either foot. His expected-goals numbers at U19 level (0.79 per 90) already mirror elite senior forwards. Coaches do caution that he must strengthen his upper body to thrive against Ligue 1’s physical centre-backs, but technique and timing are elite.

England, Venezuela or Portugal? The Tug-of-War Looms

The Football Association are desperate to keep Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez in the England pathway. Yet both the Portuguese and Venezuelan federations have sent scouts to every Lyon academy fixture this season, and family ties remain strong. The decision may hinge on where he sees a clearer route to senior football; Gareth Southgate’s striking options are deep, while Portugal are searching for Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-term heir.

Numbers That Matter

• 28 goals in 34 club matches last season
• 4 goals in 3 games at Euro U17s
• 3.9 shots and 6.2 touches in the opposition box per 90 for Lyon U19s
These metrics place Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez among the top 5% of his age group across Europe, according to Wyscout.

Pathway to the Lyon First Team

New head coach Pierre Sage has not been afraid to blood youngsters, and a Coupe de France cameo could arrive before Christmas. Lyon plan to integrate Rodriguez via the B team in National 2, mirroring the trajectory Benoît Badiashile once followed at Monaco. If he clears that hurdle, minutes in Ligue 1’s frantic winter schedule will be the next logical step.

Potential Roadblocks

Even prodigies hit bumps. Scouts note that Rodriguez sometimes drifts when starved of service, and his defensive pressing can be cursory. Lyon are working on building his stamina so he can lead the press for 90 minutes. Off the pitch, learning French and managing expectations will be key; the club have assigned a bilingual mentor to guide him.

The Bigger Picture for Club and Country

Should Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez break through, he could invigorate a Lyon side desperate to return to Champions League football and provide England — or whichever nation secures his allegiance — with a clinical No.9 for the next decade. The teenager’s fearless move abroad already sets him apart from many English peers, highlighting a maturity that bodes well for future challenges.

Quick Fire Q&A

Who is his role model? Sergio Agüero. He has memorised many of the Argentine’s goals.
When could he debut for Lyon? Insiders tip early 2025, though a cup appearance sooner is possible.
Is he on a professional contract? Yes, a three-year deal signed on his 17th birthday.
What boots does he wear? Custom Nike Mercurials with both the English and Venezuelan flags.

Our Verdict

Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez mixes South American flair with English directness, and that cocktail is already intoxicating. If Lyon’s pathway remains clear and international distractions are managed wisely, the striker’s goal obsession could soon be lighting up Groupama Stadium — and possibly a major tournament — before he turns 20.

Opinion: Betting against this kid feels reckless. He has the numbers, the mentality and the platform. All he needs now is the patience to let the revolution unfold at its own pace.