Dreams take shape in Córdoba as Como 1907 youth step onto the world stage

The return of the Mundial de Clubes Juvenil to Córdoba brought with it a sense of revival and anticipation as some of the most recognised youth academies in the world arrived in Andalusia. For Como 1907 it was a debut that mattered beyond the results. This was an opportunity to place their under 18s on the same stage as Barcelona, River Plate and Benfica and to show that the investment in youth development is more than just words

The tournament has long been regarded as a stepping stone for future professionals and after a five year break its sixteenth edition drew a crowd eager to see the next wave of footballers. For the Como players it was both a test and a thrill. Thomas Boccia, just sixteen and freshly arrived from Cagliari Calcio spoke with a mixture of pride and disbelief after scoring against Barcelona. His first thought was of his family and the pride they would feel. He also stressed the importance of what it meant for his teammates, describing the experience as something spectacular that you cannot find in everyday football.

Mattia Taranova, another striker also found the net against Barcelona. His recollection was of the embrace that followed the goal the entire team celebrated as one. For him the match confirmed that Como, even as a new group still learning to play together, could stand alongside some of the most famous names in the youth game. Scoring in such a context he said was a unique emotion and a reminder that training and persistence do translate when the lights are brightest

If Boccia and Taranova provided the goals Dylan Sgarbi delivered the drama. The young goalkeeper faced River Plate Barcelona and Benfica from the spot and produced penalty saves that kept Como in contention. What struck him most was not only the adrenaline but the lesson of calm. He described learning to wait not to rush to accept pressure rather than fight it. He also valued the self reflection sessions the squad undertook with coaches. Video analysis and honest discussion of mistakes became as valuable as any save on the pitch

Osian Roberts head of development at Como 1907 has long argued that exposing young players to the highest possible level accelerates growth. Córdoba offered exactly that. Results may not have carried Como into the final rounds but the club returned with something more useful. A group of teenagers with memories of scoring against Barcelona and saving penalties under the glare of the crowd and more importantly with the understanding of what it takes to move forward

For a club that is building its identity on opportunity and development this tournament served as proof of concept. Como 1907 showed that it will place its youth in environments that challenge them, that it values experience as much as trophies and that it is ready to invest in tomorrow. In years to come when some of these boys step onto professional pitches it will be in part because of moments like Córdoba where they learned what it feels like to stand with the best.