Spain's Next Generation of Footballers

Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas Soler (born May 4, 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Catalonia, Spain), is a Spanish football midfielder, who currently plays for English club Arsenal. Arsenal signed him from FC Barcelona in the middle of 2003, before Fàbregas could sign a professional contract with Spanish giants. He has been touted as one of Spain's next generation of footballers. Before joining Arsenal, Fàbregas had taken part in the FIFA U-17 World Championship and excelled; winning the Adidas Golden Shoe for top goalscorer and Golden Ball for best player.

His Spanish team finished second in the tournament, runners-up to Brazil. Fàbregas made his team debut in a League Cup tie at home to Rotherham United, and in doing so became Arsenal's youngest ever first-team player. Although this doesn't count for any record, he converted a penalty in a penalty shootout, which the Gunners won 9-8. He then became the youngest goal scorer in Arsenal's history in a later round of the League Cup, scoring from very close range in a 5-1 victory against Wolves.

It wasn't until the start of the 2004-05 season that 'Cesc' started making first team appearances. First it was against Manchester United in the Community Shield and then four successive Premier League starts against Everton, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City. Fàbregas impressed many observers in his first four appearances, claiming a goal against Blackburn in a 3-0 victory, and went on to score Arsenal's third goal in a 5-1 Champions League victory against Rosenborg of Norway, making him the second youngest goalscorer in the history of the competition.

The Spanish Under-21 international has since signed a new deal with the Gunners that will keep him at the club until 2011. With the departure of Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, Fàbregas has become a first-team regular in the Arsenal midfield, making a large number of appearances early in the 2005-06 season. He scored the opening goal in the victory over Blackburn Rovers in the 2005-06 season. On February 1st 2006, Fabregas played his first game with the Spanish senior national squad, receiving rave reviews for his debut. He was one of the youngest players to ever play with the Spanish side.

Name : Francesc Fabregas
Real Name : Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas Soler
Date of Birth : May 4, 1987
Place of Birth : Arenys de Mar, Spain
Nationality : Spanish
Height : 177 cm
Weight : 69 kg
Profession : Soccer Player
Club : Arsenal FC
Position : Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder [C]