Angel Gomes

Profile: Adilson Angel Abreu de Almeida Gomes

Personal Information

• Full Name: Adilson Angel Abreu de Almeida Gomes
• Date of Birth: 31 August 2000 (age 24)
• Place of Birth: Edmonton, Greater London, England
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
• Position: Midfielder
• Current Team: Lille
• Shirt Number: 8

Youth Career

• 2006–2017: Manchester United

Senior Career

• 2017–2020: Manchester United
  • Appearances: 5 | Goals: 0
• 2020–Present: Lille
  • Appearances: 97 | Goals: 4
  • 2020–2021: Boavista (on loan)
    • Appearances: 30 | Goals: 6

International Career

• 2015–2016: England U16
  • Appearances: 9 | Goals: 2
• 2016–2017: England U17
  • Appearances: 13 | Goals: 6
• 2017: England U18
  • Appearances: 2 | Goals: 0
• 2018–2019: England U19
  • Appearances: 6 | Goals: 1
• 2019: England U20
  • Appearances: 6 | Goals: 2
• 2021–2023: England U21
  • Appearances: 18 | Goals: 0
• 2024–Present: England
  • Appearances: 2 | Goals: 0

Early Life Adilson Angel Abreu de Almeida Gomes was born on 31 August 2000 in Edmonton, Greater London, England, to Angolan-born former Portugal under-21 international Gil Gomes. The Gomes family later moved to the Manchester area when Gil joined Middlewich Town and settled in Salford, where Angel grew up.

His godfather, former Portugal international and Manchester United winger Nani, had a significant influence on him, stating that he idolized Nani during his youth.

Club Career

Manchester United (2006–2017) Gomes began training with the Manchester United youth system at age six and made his U18 team debut at 14. He captained the U15 team at the Manchester United Premier Cup, earning MVP honors despite the team’s placement. After signing as an academy scholar ahead of the 2016–17 season, he became the club’s youngest top scorer and the youngest recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

First-team Appearances (2017–2020) Gomes made his first-team debut on 21 May 2017, becoming the youngest player to represent Manchester United since Duncan Edwards in 1953. He signed his first professional contract in December 2017, making his FA Cup debut in January 2018. After scoring in a pre-season friendly in July 2019, he struggled for game time and was released in June 2020.

Lille (2020–Present) Gomes signed a five-year contract with Lille in August 2020 and was loaned to Boavista for the 2020–21 season. He impressed with a hat-trick of assists on his league debut and finished his loan with 6 goals and 6 assists. Upon returning to Lille, he was part of the squad that won the 2021 Trophée des Champions and made his Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League debuts in 2021.

2022–23 Season Under new coach Paulo Fonseca, Gomes transitioned to a central midfield role, contributing significantly to Lille’s attack. He was recognized for his strong performances, earning Lille Player of the Month honors and helping the club secure UEFA Europa Conference League qualification.

2023–24 Season Gomes switched his shirt number to 8 and continued to play a key role for Lille, marking his 100th appearance for the club in February 2024. He finished the league season as a top assist provider and received praise for his ball retention and passing abilities.

2024–25 Season On 17 August 2024, Gomes suffered a head injury during a match against Reims but returned to the pitch two weeks later against Paris Saint-Germain.

International Career Gomes has represented England at various youth levels and was the captain of the U17 team that won the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He made his senior debut for England on 7 September 2024, contributing to the team in UEFA Nations League matches.

Style of Play Gomes is a versatile midfielder, capable of playing in various roles, though he prefers an attacking position. His style has drawn comparisons to Ronaldinho for his creativity and dribbling. He cites Andrés Iniesta and Xavi as inspirations, emphasizing their vision and skill.

Personal Life Gomes is friends with fellow Lille players Jonathan David and Timothy Weah, as well as Morgan Gibbs-White, with whom he has shared international success. He speaks English and Portuguese fluently and is learning French. A practicing Christian, he has expressed the importance of prayer in his life.