Emoefeme Odudu Top Scorer as Liverpool U11s Win Portugal UnderCup

Liverpool’s emerging star, Emoefeme Odudu, finished as top scorer at the prestigious Portugal UnderCup in Monção, as their U11s clinched the title in a thrilling tournament. The event featured over 3,800 players across multiple age groups, with Liverpool joining top European youth clubs for two weekends of intense competition.

Odudu’s fluid movement, eye for goal and instinct inside the box propelled him to the top of the scorers’ chart. He netted several key strikes, including a brace in the semi-final that sealed Liverpool’s spot in the final, where the team delivered a commanding performance to lift the trophy.

The tournament, hosted in the scenic town of Monção near the Spanish border, offered a rich experience beyond the pitch. Young players witnessed cultural exchanges, toured local historic sites, and took part in activities like swimming and cinema visits, all part of the UnderCup ethos of fostering multicultural growth.

Liverpool dominated throughout, benefiting from strong coaching and teamwork. The club’s academy emphasis on technical skill and collective spirit shone through as they outplayed opponents from countries such as Italy, Spain and France. Odudu’s tally shone brightest, underlining his talent and potential.

The Portugal UnderCup continues to establish itself as a premier youth competition, blending competitive football with personal development. For Odudu and Liverpool’s youngsters, it was a benchmark moment proof that early promise can translate into real progress on an international stage.

Editorial

We are heartened to see youth tournaments like the UnderCup bridging cultures and showcasing talent in equal measure. Emoefeme Odudu’s emergence as top scorer demonstrates how high‑calibre development systems like Liverpool’s academy can guide gifted young players into international arenas with poise and determination.

We feel that nurturing such talent involves more than technical coaching. By immersing children in cultural activities cinema evenings, local tours, shared meals the UnderCup fosters well‑rounded individuals. That maturity reflects on the pitch confident, composed, and connected.

The success of Liverpool’s U11s illustrates how well‑structured academies can produce collective excellence. Odudu’s individual brilliance was supported by collective cohesion. That balance between skill and teamwork is vital as players progress through youth ranks.

This tournament should serve as inspiration for other youth programmes across Africa. With investment, perseverance and exposure, talents like Odudu can make waves abroad. And for Liverpool, this victory is yet another affirmation that their global scouting and development model works.

We believe the Portugal UnderCup marks more than just a trophy it signals futures. For Odudu and his teammates, the journey has begun. Their performance here sets the stage for the challenges ahead, and we stand with them as they climb higher.

Did You Know?

1. The Portugal UnderCup is held across two weekends in Monção and nearby Galicia, making it one of the largest youth football festivals in Europe.
2. Over 55 clubs and roughly 200 teams participated in the 2024 edition, including academies from Juventus, Benfica, Marseille and Porto.
3. The event features multi-format games 7‑aside, 9‑aside, and 11‑aside depending on age group, offering varied tactical experiences.
4. Beyond football, players attend swimming sessions and local theatre, enriching their cultural exposure and team bonding.
5. The Stephen Packer Memorial Cup, another Liverpool U11 tournament, took place at the club’s academy in June 2025, featuring ten elite sides in a 9‑a‑9 format.