In the world of football, the spotlight is often reserved for the big names, the world-class goals, and the match-winning performances that leave fans buzzing. But sometimes, it’s not just the goals that steal the show; it’s a simple photograph that brings back the most wholesome memories. Recently, a picture surfaced of two young, rising football stars, Amad Diallo and Dejan Kulusevski, which quickly went viral. What made this image so captivating, you ask?
Well, it wasn’t just about two of the Premier League’s hottest wingers standing side by side. No, this photo had a much deeper story to tell—one that ties back to the roots of these players and a youth academy that has been quietly churning out footballing gems. Let’s dive into the viral sensation and why Atalanta, Italy’s underrated football powerhouse, deserves more love.
The Photo That Took Social Media by Storm
Amad Diallo, the Ivorian winger who’s been turning heads at Manchester United this season, and Dejan Kulusevski, the Swedish dynamo for Tottenham Hotspur, were spotted in an old photo from 2018. But wait—before you start thinking this was some friendly international meeting or a recent photo shoot, let’s clarify. This was a picture of both players rocking the Atalanta youth academy jersey, taken while they were still wet behind the ears.
Yes, you heard that right—Atalanta. The same club that has produced players like Josip Ilicic, Koopmeiners, Papu Gomez, Ademola Lookman, and much more over the years. Both Amad and Dejan, in their teenage years, were part of this underappreciated youth system. It was a moment that caused fans across the globe to pause, reminisce, and, of course, start creating memes. Back in the day in 2018, Diallo and Dejan would go to the same school in Bergamo and spent most of their time together at the Atalanta youth setup.
It’s the kind of wholesome content that warms the heart, even in the cutthroat world of Premier League football. To see two players—who are now tearing it up for two of the most exciting clubs in England—standing together as wide-eyed youngsters in the Atalanta academy feels like the footballing equivalent of a glow-up montage.
The Atlanta Connection: Unsung Powerhouse of Youth Development and Shrewd Recruitment
Now, let’s talk about Atalanta. This Italian club might not have the global name recognition of Juventus or Inter Milan, but they’ve quietly become one of the most consistent producers of top-level football talent in Europe. Josip Ilicic, Papu Gomez, and a few other exemplary players come to mind as examples for this. For years, they’ve been known for developing players who go on to play for some of the biggest clubs in the world. And the careers of Amad Diallo and Dejan Kulusevski are a testament to the fact that Atalanta’s youth development system is one of the best-kept secrets in football.
Amad joined Atalanta’s youth ranks in 2018, and just two years later, Manchester United swooped in, signing him for an initial fee of €21 million, which could rise to €41 million with add-ons. Talk about a quick rise! He had loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland before truly cementing his place in Manchester United’s first XI this campaign.
Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski had already made his mark in Atalanta’s youth setup, and on 18 July 2018, Kulusevski signed for Parma on loan until 30th June 2020. Following his form while on loan at Parma during the first part of the 2019-2020 season, on 2nd January 2020, Kulusevski joined Juventus on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
After signing him, Juventus sent Kulusevski back on loan to Parma for the remainder of the season, where he scored 10 goals and provided 9 assists. After his loan ended, he returned to Juventus the next season, scoring on his debut in 2020. In 2021, Kulusevski scored and assisted in the Coppa Italia final, where Atalanta won. In January 2022, Kulusevski moved to Spurs on an initial loan plus obligation deal, where Tottenham eventually bought him the following year in 2023 for €35 million, with a loan fee of €10 million for Spurs.
The photo of these two future Premier League stars standing together in the Atalanta kit doesn’t just symbolize their personal growth; it highlights Atalanta’s unparalleled knack for spotting and nurturing talent. Fans have been quick to praise the Italian club for consistently punching above its weight, both in terms of player development and tactical intelligence.
And let’s not forget—when players like Kulusevski and Diallo are making waves in the Premier League right now, you can bet the Atalanta youth coaches are sitting back with a smug grin, saying, “We knew they had it in them.”
Amad has been the main player for United this season, playing efficiently at both right-wing back and attacking midfield when needed in Ruben Amorim’s new system. The Ivorian winger has 10 G/A already this season with 6 assists and 4 goals, with the majority of them coming after he got proper playing time under new manager Amorim. Fans are now wondering what his contributions would have looked like had he been given the chance of playing regularly under previous MUFC manager Erik Ten Hag. Amad also most recently scored the winner in the Manchester Derby at Etihad in the last minutes to secure a thrilling comeback and win for his side, and this is only a testament to his immense rise and growth from his youthful Atalanta days.
Dejan Kulusevski, on the other hand, has cemented himself as the main forward for Tottenham and Ange’s side. The Swedish winger has 12 G/A this season, with 7 assists and 5 goals. He was recently on the scoresheet at St. Mary’s when Spurs thrashed Southampton 5-0 at their home ground. He and Brenan Johnson have been the shining lights this season for Spurs in their attack, amidst a hot and cold season with Sputrs leaking so many goals at the back. (stats from transfermarkt)
The Fan Reaction: From “Footballing Gods” to “Serious Minerals”
As soon as the picture went viral, the footballing world couldn’t stop talking about it. The buzz was palpable, with fans all over social media reacting in true football fan fashion. One fan commented, “This is football.” Another user quipped, “Gunmen” (a famous football term given to a winger that everyone fears) to describe how intimidating this pair would be now that they’ve hit their prime. The best comment? “Serious minerals at Atalanta.” It’s safe to say that the meme game was strong with this one.
A few fans even joked that Atalanta should be crowned the new Borussia Dortmund—a nod to the German club’s own ability to unearth young talent that goes on to conquer Europe. From Ousmane Dembélé to Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland, Dortmund has built a reputation as the ultimate incubator for young talent. And while Atalanta might not have the same commercial allure, their track record in recent years has been just as impressive.
In a world where it feels like football clubs are increasingly relying on massive budgets and big-name signings, Atalanta has proven that the real gems come from investing in youth and nurturing raw talent. So, the next time you hear the phrase “youth academy,” maybe think of Atalanta first. After all, they seem to be making some of the best footballing “recipes” around.
From Atalanta’s Youth to Premier League Superstars
In the end, this viral photo wasn’t just about Amad Diallo and Dejan Kulusevski. It was about the journey of two players who rose through the ranks of Atalanta’s celebrated youth system, proving that hard work and proper development can produce players who compete at the highest levels of football. While their individual stories are already impressive—Diallo’s rise to prominence at Manchester United, Kulusevski’s successful run at Spurs—the true beauty of this moment lies in their shared history.
As fans continue to marvel at their achievements, one thing’s for sure: Atalanta is a club that deserves all the recognition it’s getting, and then some. So, the next time you see an unassuming youth academy producing world-class talent, remember that Atalanta’s contribution to the game will be remembered long after the memes fade away.
And who knows? Maybe the next viral photo will be of two more future Premier League stars standing side by side in the same Atalanta jersey—ready to make their own mark on the footballing world.
Until then, we’ll keep an eye on the Atalanta Academy and wonder, Who’s next?
