Watching Eric Da Silva Moreira in full flow is a thrilling sight. The Germany right-back brings a vibrancy, fearlessness and ambition to his role and, in conversation with FIFA, it quickly becomes apparent those qualities are ingrained in his character too.

His rampaging runs down the flank have been a key element of Germany’s dynamic play at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ and he has contributed two goals during the tournament. It is no surprise, then, to learn the St Pauli star is well accustomed to operating in the attacking third.

“At my club, I’m a winger, and all my life I’ve been a striker or forward!” he says. “This full-back position is still quite new for me, but I can bring my qualities to it. I can help my team in attacking, because I know how to score and assist. I also think my mentality and my pace is good for a defender.”

Da Silva Moreira is speaking the day after his side beat Argentina in an extraordinary Indonesia 2023 semi-final. The result means Germany are one victory away from becoming the first team to lift the UEFA U-17 European Championship and U-17 World Cup in the same year.

“Some people might have thought, ‘You’ve already won a big trophy, you’re happy,” he says. “No, that’s not us. We came here to win the title.”