The footballing world has been rocked by the news of Mino Raiola passing away. The super-agent had a bevy of superstar clients and was one of the most recognizable faces off-field. Raiola was famous and infamous for his direct statements to the media and hard-nosed negotiations.
— Mino Raiola (@MinoRaiola) April 30, 2022
He leaves behind an unmatchable legacy, in impacting the growth of modern football. Mino Raiola was one of his kind, and his void will be felt across the game. The super-agent managed several of the best players in the game.
FootTheBall brings the “Dream XI” to have worked with Mino Raiola.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
One of the best young players in world football. Donnarumma is an established star with PSG and Italy, having won the European Championship with the latter. He has not had the best debut season in France, but he will bounce back. Donnarumma has his best years ahead of him and will only get better.
22 – Aged 22 years and 106 days, Gianluigi Donnarumma today becomes the youngest ever goalkeeper to play at a major tournament (World Cup & Euros) for Italy. Wonderkid.#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/OLeuJzB0cP
— OptaPaolo 🏆 (@OptaPaolo) June 11, 2021
Defender: Matthijs de Ligt
One of the stars of Ajax’s dream semi-final run in the Champions League 2019. De Ligt struggled to adapt to Juventus in his debut season but has bounced back strongly. He is one of the leading lights of a transitional defence with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci aging. De Ligt is not afraid to go in hard and can pass the ball forward quickly.
Mino Raiola on Matthijs de Ligt next step: “I think we all know which clubs to mention for Matthijs de Ligt as ‘next step’. We will see this summer”, he told NOS. 🔴🇳🇱 #transfers
“Premier League? It can be Barcelona too, or Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain…”, Raiola said. pic.twitter.com/W1hr1bp0lh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2021
Defender: Alessio Romagnoli
The captain of AC Milan does not get too much game time recently but is still a key player. Romagnoli is a veteran leader who is integral to Milan’s mental prowess as they aim to win the first Serie A title since 2011. Stefano Pioli relies on Romagnoli’s experience to guide the youngsters in Pierre Kalulu and Fikayo Tomori.
Read also: What goes on behind-the-scenes for a successful transfer to happen?
Defender: Stefan de Vrij
The direct rival to Romagnoli. De Vrij was part of Inter’s historic title win in 2020-21. He has been a vital piece of the defence under Simone Inzaghi as they try to defend their league crown. De Vrij is also a solid presence for the Dutch national team, forming a solid back three.
Defender: Denzel Dumfries
One of the breakout stars of Euro 2020. Dumfries took everyone by surprise with how well he performed for a middling Dutch team. The Inter fullback has been his marauding self in Serie A, making runs from deep and putting in crosses. If he continues at this pace, there is no doubt that he will one of the great players of his time in that position.
Midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch
The hottest teenage sensation in his position currently. Gravenberch is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich and is shining with Ajax. Still only 19, he is poised to become one of the best ballplayers of the next generation.
Ryan Gravenberch 'feels like it's the right time to step into Bayern's project'. The player will not renew at Ajax. The club did not want to agree to his salary demands. Mino Raiola and Ajax have agreed on good terms that he will be sold [@MikeVerweij via @TheEuropeanLad] pic.twitter.com/P87wnETw5Z
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 18, 2022
Midfielder: Marco Verratti
One of the calmest passers of the ball in world football. Verratti has been a fixture for club and country over many years. His ability to win the ball back, place perfect passes and wriggle his way out of any situation are his best traits. Moreover, he was a key member of Italy as they won Euro 2020.
Midfielder: Paul Pogba
The battles between Manchester United and Mino Raiola over Paul Pogba were a constant every season. The French midfielder has been a divisive player, with agent and club sparring over comments.
Pogba has not found his groove in the last few seasons, appearing sporadically. Moreover, his contract is expiring at the end of the 2021-22 season, and his future is uncertain after this news.
Mino Raiola to @Sport1 on Paul Pogba's future: "We have many offers for Pogba, including a contract extension proposal [from Man United] We'll see what's best for him". 🔴 #MUFC #Bayern
"Pogba to FC Bayern? Impossible – they're not paying this kind of salary". 🇫🇷 @berger_pj pic.twitter.com/DyoRJ5xkJC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 10, 2021
Attacker: Moise Kean
The young striker has struggled at Juventus after a successful previous spell. The addition of Dusan Vlahovic has further damaged his cause. There is still enough time for Kean to overturn his dry form. Moreover, Max Allegri has already spoken of his continued faith in Kean which means he will remain a part of the senior team.
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Attacker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The ageless Swede had been one of the oldest clients of Raiola. Ibrahimovic is still going strong at 40, aiming to win his second Serie A title. He was there when Milan lifted their last more than a decade ago. The Swedish striker is a phenomenon in creating an impact in matches. Moreover, his confidence and way with words have been legendary for a long time.
Attacker: Erling Haaland
It is a very tricky time for Haaland and his suitors. He has the freedom to choose from virtually any of the biggest clubs. Several teams have been linked to him, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United.
Mino Raiola on Haaland waiting for Barcelona: “Haaland can wait for everyone”. He denies pre-deal with Real Madrid: “We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club”, he told NOS. 🚨 #Haaland
“We will look for the best option, and I also never ruled out another year at B. Dortmund”. pic.twitter.com/DG1cQZ5UB0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2021
The Cityzens looked the likeliest to land him, and it may still come true. However, the commission fees will need a reworking with the passing of Raiola. Haaland has been one of the most consistent scorers over the past few years.
