We sat down with Roc Nation’s ‘Class of 2026’ as they introduced five young players quietly preparing to shape the next chapter of the game.
For Roc Nation, the New York-based agency founded by Jay-Z in 2008, identifying those futures early has become part of the blueprint (pun intended). Since expanding into football, the agency has assembled one of the game’s most culturally influential rosters, representing elite names across Europe while continuing to invest in the next generation of talent.
Each year a new intake arrives, players still developing their identities but already hinting at the careers they might one day build and the ‘Class of 2026’ is no different, bringing together five prospects from across England’s academy landscape, each with different journeys, different styles, but the same ambition: to keep moving forward.
Theo Carrington (Manchester City)
Within Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, Theo Carrington is developing the qualities that define the modern defender. Comfortable stepping into midfield and confident in possession, his game reflects the tactical evolution of the full-back role – a position now as much about control and intelligence as it is about defending.
When Carrington imagines the player he wants to become, the vision centres less on accolades and more on reliability. “I’d like to be a leader on the pitch,” he says. “Someone who’s known for being consistent and winning.” Watching Chelsea’s Reece James has helped shape that outlook, “I think we play a similar game,” Carrington explains, referencing the ability to drift into midfield and remain calm on the ball.
Like many young players, he’s also learning to navigate the unseen parts of football – injuries, setbacks and the mental challenges that come with development. His own game, he says simply, can be summed up in three words: calm, consistent and solid.
Jaume Camacho (Manchester United)
Jaume Camacho’s journey to Manchester United already represents a significant step in his career. The technically gifted Spanish midfielder has been fast-tracked into the club’s U18 setup, where his composure and vision have quickly marked him out as one of the academy’s most promising young players.
Despite that progress, Camacho speaks about the future with a grounded sense of perspective. “I want to be a humble, professional guy who carries himself the way I do now,” he says. “Stay grounded, but also make sure I’m enjoying my football.”
Signing for United remains the moment that still drives him forward. “It shows how far I’ve come since the start of my journey.” His game, much like his mindset, is built on balance: intelligent, consistent and passionate.
Kyle Grant (Fulham)
For Kyle Grant, the first spark came from watching one of football’s most joyful players. “Ronaldinho was one of the first players I ever watched,” the England U16 midfielder says. “Very skillful, very explosive – and I’d say I play like him.”
Now progressing through Fulham’s academy system, Grant has developed into a dynamic midfielder capable of influencing games from both central and wide areas, using his energy and forward runs to shift the tempo of matches.
Signing his first contract with AFC Wimbledon remains a moment that continues to motivate him. “It was a very proud moment for me and my family,” he says. The way he describes his own game reflects the responsibility he embraces on the pitch: powerful, consistent and leadership.
Silva Mexes (Manchester United)
Silva Mexes plays football with the kind of energy that pulls people out of their seats. The Wales youth international winger is already known for his blistering pace – recently clocking an eye-catching 11.1 seconds over 100 metres – but speed is only part of the story.
“I want to be a player that makes you want to come to football games,” he says. “Someone exciting to watch – doing tricks and beating their man.” Mexes points to AC Milan’s Rafael Leão as a major influence, particularly in the way he blends pace, power and flair.
Off the pitch, that creativity carries into music and fashion too. “I think I’m creative in the way I dress and the way I play,” he explains, a philosophy supported by the quieter work behind the scenes, from extra runs to technical sessions away from the spotlight.
Camron Mpofu (Manchester United)
Camron Mpofu’s game is built around impact. The Scotland youth international striker joined Manchester United from Reading and has quickly established himself as a powerful, clinical forward whose physical presence stands out at youth level.
When he thinks about the striker he hopes to become, Mpofu points to one of the most dominant goalscorers in the modern game: Erling Haaland. “His ability to score goals and provide assists makes him one of the most clinical strikers around,” he says.
Yet the ambition stretches beyond goals alone. Mpofu hopes that one day younger players might look up to him in the same way. “I want to be someone kids can look up to,” and his style of play reflects that mindset: clinical, powerful and reliable.
For Roc Nation, the 'Class of 2026' represents the earliest chapter of what could become the next generation of professional footballers – players developing their craft now while quietly imagining the careers that might lie ahead. The spotlight may still be some distance away, but the foundations are already in place.
