FIFA U-17 World Cup: Springboard for future football stars

New Delhi: From the planet's costliest player Neymar to 'tiki-taka' kings Xavi and Iniesta to the ultimate sorcerer Ronaldinho, the FIFA Under-17 World Cup has been the cradle for many of world football's household names.

India is hosting the 17th edition of the mega-event, the country's first-ever FIFA tournament, from October 6 to 28.

Before they mesmerised millions of fans of the beautiful game, many of them took the 'baby steps' to stardom by taking part in this tournament. Some of them -- Ronaldinho, Iker Casillas, Xavi, Iniesta, Toni Kroos and Mario Goetz would go on to win the ultimate prize in world football -- the FIFA World Cup.