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Wilfried Gnonto

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Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto with Leeds United in 2023
Personal information
Full name Degnand Wilfried Gnonto
Date of birth (2003-11-05) 5 November 2003 (age 21)
Place of birth Verbania, Italy
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s) Forward, Winger
Team information
Current team
 Leeds United
Number 29
Youth career
2008–2010 Baveno
2010–2012 Suno
2012–2020 Inter Milan
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2020–2021 Zürich II 3 (2)
2020–2022 Zürich 65 (9)
2022– Leeds United 77 (13)
International career‡
2018–2019 Italy U16 10 (1)
2019–2020 Italy U17 10 (5)
2021 Italy U18 1 (0)
2021–2022 Italy U19 10 (5)
2023– Italy U21 12 (5)
2022– Italy 13 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:20, 27 November 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19 November 2024

Degnand Wilfried Gnonto (Italian pronunciation: [ˈvilfrid ˈɲonto]; born 5 November 2003) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a winger for EFL Championship club Leeds United and the Italy national team.

Early life

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Gnonto was born in Verbania, Italy, in 2003 to Ivorian parents and he grew up in Baveno, where he attended a liceo classico before switching to pursue secondary education at a liceo scientifico.[1][2]

Club career

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FC Zürich

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A youth product of Inter Milan since the age of nine, Gnonto joined Swiss club Zürich on 23 April 2020.[3] Gnonto made his professional debut with Zürich as a substitute in a 4–1 away Swiss Super League win over FC Vaduz on 24 October 2020, and assisted his team's final goal.[4] He scored his first professional goal on 21 May 2021, once again in a 4–1 league home win over FC Vaduz, after replacing Antonio Marchesano in the second half.[5]

In his second season, he won the 2021–22 Swiss Super League title with the club, with four games remaining.[6]

Leeds United

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On 2 September 2022, Gnonto joined Leeds United on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[7] He made his Premier League debut on 29 October, in Leeds’ 2–1 win against Liverpool at Anfield, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Jack Harrison and opening the action that led to the winning goal by Crysencio Summerville.[8] On 5 November, he again replaced Harrison in the second half of the league match against Bournemouth, eventually assisting Summerville for his second consecutive winning goal.[9]

On 4 January 2023, Gnonto scored his first Premier League goal for Leeds, a 28th minute opener in a 2–2 home draw against West Ham United.[10] Two weeks later he scored a brace for Leeds in an FA Cup third round replay against Cardiff City at Elland Road, a volley within the first minute and a goal scored in the 36th minute in a 5–2 win.[11]

On 8 February 2023, he scored less than a minute into Leeds' 2–2 draw with Manchester United, following a pass from Patrick Bamford.[12] In doing so, he became the youngest overseas player to score at Old Trafford in a Premier League fixture.[13]

In August 2023, Gnonto refused to play for Leeds in an attempt to force a transfer away from the club, following Leeds' relegation to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2022–23 season:[14] he then returned to training and officially apologized to manager Daniel Farke at the end of the month.[15] On 26 August, in his first game since his return, Gnonto scored a goal in a 4–3 away league win over Ipswich Town.[16]

In the 2023–24 season, Gnonto, an almost-constant regular on the right wing in Farke’s starting XI, had a run of form that saw him net seven goals from February to mid-March 2024.[17][18] On 16 May, he set up a goal in Leeds's 4–0 win over Norwich City in the EFL Championship play-off semi-final, which allowed them to advance to the final against Southampton at Wembley Stadium.[19][20]

International career

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Gnonto represented Italy at under-17 level in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup; he was one of the team's key players, scoring three goals en-route to the quarter-finals, where Italy lost out 2–0 to eventual champions Brazil.[21][22] His opening individual goal in Italy's 2–1 win over Mexico in their second group match – which allowed them to advanced to the round of 16 – was later named the "Goal of the Tournament."[23][24] His other two goals came in Italy's opening group match, a 5–0 win over Solomon Islands.[25]

In May 2022, after being called by Roberto Mancini to join a training camp for the Italy national team, Gnonto was included in the final 30-player Azzurri squad for the 2022 Finalissima.[26][27] On 4 June 2022, Gnonto made his senior debut for Italy in a UEFA Nations League game against Germany, coming on as a substitute and providing an assist in a 1–1 home draw.[28] On 14 June, in Italy's fourth group match, he scored his first international goal in a 5–2 away loss to Germany, to become the youngest goalscorer for Italy, aged 18 years and 222 days, breaking the previous record held by Bruno Nicolè since 1958.[29]

In June 2023, Gnonto was included in Italy's squad for the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Finals.[30] On 18 June, Gnonto started in Italy's 3–2 win over Netherlands in the third-place match of the tournament, contributing to Davide Frattesi's goal, who scored after the former's shot was blocked.[31]

Style of play

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Gnonto is a quick, agile, and technically gifted forward, with a low centre of gravity, who is known for his dribbling ability and close control at speed.[32][33][34][35] He has also stood out for his work-rate on the pitch.[36] Although he is a right-footed player, who is often used as a left winger, a position which allows him to drift out wide, take on opponents, and strike at goal,[32][37][38] he is able to play anywhere across the front line, courtesy of his ability to use either foot, and has also been used as a second striker, or even as a right winger, or striker on occasion.[34][39][40][41] Despite his diminutive stature (standing at 1.72m/5 ft 7 in), he possesses significant elevation and physical strength, which allows him to retain the ball under pressure.[32][33][38] His qualities and playing style have led him to be compared to English winger Raheem Sterling in the media; Gnonto has also cited his idol, Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, as a major influence.[40][42] Martin Hardy of The Times also likened Gnonto to compatriot Paolo Di Canio in 2024.[39]

Considered to be a promising young player in the media, in 2020, he was named one of the "Next Generation 2020: 60 of the best young talents in world football" by The Guardian.[32][43]

Career statistics

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Club

[edit]
As of match played 27 November 2024[44]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Zürich II 2020–21 Swiss Promotion League 3 2 — — — 2[c] 1 5 3
Zürich 2020–21 Swiss Super League 26 1 0 0 — — — 26 1
2021–22 Swiss Super League 33 8 3 2 — — — 36 10
2022–23 Swiss Super League 6 0 1 0 — 5[d] 1 — 12 1
Total 65 9 4 2 — 5 1 — 74 12
Leeds United U21 2022–23 — — — — 2[e] 0 2 0
Leeds United 2022–23 Premier League 24 2 3 2 1 0 — — 28 4
2023–24 Championship 36 8 4 1 1 0 — 3[f] 0 44 9
2024–25 Championship 17 3 0 0 1 0 — — 18 3
Total 77 13 7 3 3 0 — 3 0 90 16
Career total 145 24 11 5 3 0 5 1 7 1 171 31
  1. ^ Includes Swiss Cup, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in Swiss Promotion League relegation play-offs
  4. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy
  6. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs

International

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As of match played 12 September 2023[45]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Italy 2022 8 1
2023 5 0
Total 13 1
Italy score listed first, score column indicates score after each Gnonto goal.[45]
List of international goals scored by Wilfried Gnonto
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 14 June 2022 Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany 4  Germany 1–5 2–5 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A

Honours

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Zürich[44]

References

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  1. ^ Russo, Gabriele (5 June 2022). "L'Italia si innamora di Gnonto. E' di Baveno la nuova promessa azzurra". RaiNews (in Italian). Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  2. ^ Tomaselli, Paolo (6 June 2022). "Il papà di Gnonto: "Libri e oratorio, non ha né fidanzata né patente: vi racconto Willy"". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  3. ^ "Der Stadtclub verpflichtet Nachwuchs-Stürmer Wilfried Gnonto". FC Zürich. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Vaduz vs. Zürich - 24 October 2020 - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com.
  5. ^ "Der FCZ gewinnt gegen den FC Vaduz mit 4:1" (in German). FC Zürich. 21 May 2021. Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  6. ^ "FC Zurich beats FC Basel 2-0 and is crowned Swiss champion". FC Zürich. 1 May 2022. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  7. ^ "Leeds United complete deadline day deal for Wilfried Gnonto". Leeds United. 2 September 2022.
  8. ^ Rose, Gary (29 October 2022). "Liverpool 1–2 Leeds United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  9. ^ Johnston, Neil (5 November 2022). "Leeds United 4–3 Bournemouth". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  10. ^ Stone, Simon (4 January 2023). "Leeds 2-2 West Ham: Hammers remain in relegation trouble after Elland Road draw". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  11. ^ Taylor, Louise (18 January 2023). "Gnonto and Bamford double up as Leeds overwhelm Cardiff in FA Cup". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  12. ^ "Sancho earns Man Utd point in thrilling Leeds draw". BBC Sport. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  13. ^ "'Superb' Leeds ace Gnonto broke a Premier League record vs Manchester United". HITC. 9 February 2023.
  14. ^ Hafez, Shamoon (18 August 2023). "Leeds forward Gnonto submits transfer request". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  15. ^ "Farke gives apologetic Gnonto second chance at Leeds". BBC Sport. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  16. ^ "Leeds end Ipswich's perfect start with first win". BBC Sport. 26 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  17. ^ Freeman, Jay (17 March 2024). "Leeds 2-0 Millwall: Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James goals put Leeds top". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  18. ^ Lloyd, Matt (13 February 2024). "Swansea 0-4 Leeds: Visitors stroll to seventh successive win". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  19. ^ "Video: Gnonto provides stunning assist for Leeds' second in play-off semi". Football Italia. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  20. ^ "Gnonto and Leeds United qualify for Championship play-off final". Football Italia. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  21. ^ "The class of the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup: Where are they now?". FIFA.com. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  22. ^ "How Inter and Conte let Gnonto leave". Football Italia. 6 June 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  23. ^ "Gnonto v Mexico [GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT] - FIFA U17 World Cup 2019 ™". YouTube.com. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  24. ^ "Udogie segna al 94', l'Italia U17 vola agli ottavi". Sky Sport Italia (in Italian). 11 November 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  25. ^ "The Azzurrini pick up the pace: five goals against the Solomon Islands. A brace on his debut for Gnonto". Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio. 28 October 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Diramata dal Ct Mancini la lista dei calciatori per la 'Finalissima'" (in Italian). FIGC.it. 30 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  27. ^ "Wilfried Gnonto, chi è la nuova scommessa di Roberto Mancini" (in Italian). La Repubblica. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  28. ^ "Italia-Germania 1-1: Kimmich risponde a Pellegrini, esordio con assist per Gnonto" (in Italian). La Repubblica. 4 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Five-star Germany crush Italy to snap winless run". Reuters. 14 June 2022.
  30. ^ "Convocati per la Nations League, Mancini punta sul blocco Inter". RaiNews (in Italian). 7 June 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  31. ^ "Nations League, finale terzo posto: l'Italia batte 3-2 l'Olanda" (in Italian). TG24 Sky Italia. 18 June 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d Christenson, Marcus; Powell, Jim; Blight, Garry; Bandini, Nicky (8 October 2020). "Next Generation 2020: 60 of the best young talents in world football". the Guardian. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  33. ^ a b "Gnonto, Wilfried - Treccani" (in Italian). Treccani. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Willy Gnonto realizza il suo sogno azzurro". Sky Sport Italia (in Italian). 4 June 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  35. ^ "Mancini: Don't put too much pressure on 18-year-old hotshot Gnonto". theScore.com. 6 June 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  36. ^ "Gnonto's Premier League emergence highlights Serie A's youngsters issue". Football Italia. 9 February 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  37. ^ "L'apprendistato di Willy Gnonto" (in Italian). L'Ultimo Uomo. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  38. ^ a b "'Willy' Gnonto: Italy's sharp-shooting 15-year-old". FIFA.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  39. ^ a b Hardy, Martin (21 May 2024). "Wilfried Gnonto stirs memories of Paolo Di Canio – and disbelief over £4m fee". The Times. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  40. ^ a b "La Svizzera, l'Inter e la maturità: chi è Willy Gnonto". Sky Sport Italia (in Italian). 7 June 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Aston Villa Set To Rival Everton For This Leeds United Winger: What Will He Add To Emery's Side?". OneFootball. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  42. ^ "L'IDOLO MESSI, I PARAGONI CON STERLING, I NUMERI DA PREDESTINATO: L'ITALIA SCOPRE WILLY GNONTO" (in Italian). Alfredo Pedullà. 30 October 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  43. ^ Dawes, Olly (4 September 2022). "Victor Orta has signed exciting player for Leeds - for £13m less than first demanded". HITC. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  44. ^ a b Wilfried Gnonto at Soccerway. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  45. ^ a b "Gnonto, Wilfried" (in Italian). FIGC. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
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