Wolves youngster Mateus Mane has been named on a star-studded list of talent by the Guardian.
The newspaper has published their yearly list of ones to watch in Premier League academies.
The Guardian’s Next Generation list is something young players in the English top flight want to be a part of, with some of the biggest names in the game featuring early into their careers.
Premier League stars such as Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wolves’ own Tommy Doyle have made the shortlist in the past among plenty of other talented jewels.
Wolves U18 gem Mateus Mane made the cut in this year’s edition of the watchlist, but who is the highly-rated teenager?
Who is Mateus Mane?
17-year-old Mane might not be a player many are familiar with, due to the fact that he only joined Wolves in March 2024 after spending time at Rochdale.
The teenager has had quite the footballing journey already, starting his playing days in Portugal, his birth country.
Mane represented Barreirense Youth before transferring to Rochdale in 2016 where he impressed, seeing Wolves capture his signature.
The England U18 international is a centre-forward and has started the 2024/25 campaign in fine form, contributing to four goals in his opening four U18 Premier League appearances.
Mane made quite the impression after appearing for the U18s for the first time, scoring and assisting on his debut, seeing him earn high praise.
The last five Wolves starlets on the Next Generation list
It’s an exciting list for young Mane to be included on, following many star names before him.
Mane will hope to follow the likes of Saka and other attackers who were also recognised by the Guardian early in their career, but who can inspire the starlet from a Wolves point of view?
Here are the previous five Wolves players named on the Next Generation list and where they are now.
2019: Chem Campbell – AM
Chem Campbell was included on the 2019 list of talent, with the attacking midfielder since making eight senior appearances for Wolves. Now 21, Campbell remains on the Old Gold’s books but is currently on loan at Reading.
2020: Kamran Kandola – CB
Centre-back Kamran Kandola made the cut in 2020 however is now far from the level of a Premier League academy. The defender was released in September 2024 and currently represents Kidderminster in the sixth tier of English football.
2021: Owen Farmer – ST
There is hope for Owen Farmer, who is with Wolves U21. The striker spent some time on loan at Rushall in the National League in the latter stages of last season, scoring three goals in 16 appearances.
2022: Leon Chiwome – ST
The 2022 place went to Leon Chiwome, who is a youngster trusted by Gary O’Neil at Wolves. The forward was used four times by the manager last season during the Old Gold’s injury crisis.
2023: Fraser Harper – AM
Last year, promising attacking midfielder Fraser Harper was the Wolves representative on the Guardian’s list. The 18-year-old signed a professional contract at Wolves in 2023 but left in the summer and is currently without a club.