Football News: Superstars Who Made Their Mark in the EFL
The EFL Championship is often hailed as one of the most exciting leagues in world football, serving as a springboard for many of the game’s biggest names. From Gareth Bale to Harry Kane, the second tier of English football has witnessed the rise of numerous global superstars.
Formative Years in the EFL
In a retrospective look, talkSPORT.com highlights 15 top-level players who cut their teeth in the EFL before ascending to the summit of the sport.
Gareth Bale’s early days at Southampton, where he emerged as a free-kick specialist playing at left-back, are a testament to his formative years. Similarly, David Beckham’s brief loan spell at Preston North End gave a glimpse of the talent that would propel him to stardom at Manchester United and beyond.
Jude Bellingham, the latest EFL prodigy, made history at Birmingham City before joining Borussia Dortmund and, more recently, securing a record-breaking move to Real Madrid. Other notable names include Jarrod Bowen, Conor Gallagher, Jack Grealish, and the prolific striker Aleksandar Mitrović.
A Springboard for England’s Stars
The EFL has also been the crucible for England’s current crop of international stars, with the likes of Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, and Ollie Watkins all honing their skills in the lower divisions before making the leap to the Premier League and beyond.
“The EFL Championship is often hailed as one of the most exciting leagues in world football, serving as a springboard for many of the game’s biggest names.”
As the 2024-25 season approaches, football fans eagerly anticipate the next generation of EFL superstars to emerge and make their mark on the global stage.
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