Football: Valentin Barco, Diego Moreira, Martial Godo… In Strasbourg, youth turns heads

Since entering the BlueCo galaxy in 2023, Strasbourg has been seen as a satellite of Chelsea. A place where young players, sometimes even a coach (Liam Rosenior), come to toughen up before heading to London as circumstances dictate. But a satellite also has the right to reach for the stars. Racing’s stars may only revolve around the Conference League but tell an unprecedented odyssey.

With no hope in Ligue 1, the club will engage in its first European semi-final – becoming the 13th French club at this level after overturning Mainz in the quarter-final (0-2, 4-0), in a Meinau in frenzy.

Next obstacle (first leg on Thursday, return on May 7th): Rayo Vallecano, a mid-table Liga club from the outskirts of Madrid. Not insurmountable, even though they will need to be more consistent than on Wednesday in the French Cup semi-final (eliminated by Nice). Arriving in January on the bench, Englishman Gary O’Neil, who leads the youngest elite squad in Europe, will be able to rely on a trio from Alsace. A youthful lineup that should be taken advantage of, as fresh faces rotate here at a steady pace.

Valentin Barco, 21, midfielder, Argentina

The local social media star: 2.2 million followers on Instagram. Valentin Barco knows how to showcase his private life, but especially how to challenge the opposing defense with daring passes. Bought by Brighton in February 2025, he was acquired in June (for 10 million euros), surprising with his ability to control the midfield, in addition to dominating on the left. From the Jorge Mendes stable, valued at 35 million euros by Transfermarkt, he is seen as the next on Chelsea’s shopping list. Recently rewarded with a goal in his second selection, at the Bombonera stadium, reminiscing his tender years with Boca Juniors. Standing at 1.70 meters, his stature may be small but his actions speak volumes – cautioned for taunting, he will be suspended for the first leg.

Diego Moreira, 21, winger, Belgium

There is a logic in seeing him evolve in a European capital. Born in Liege to a mother of German origin and a father who played internationally for Guinea-Bissau, passing through Portugal’s youth teams before opting for the Red Devils, Diego Moreira knows no boundaries, nor his limits. His brief and unremarkable stint at Lyon – preferred by Chelsea between September 2023 and January 2024 – was fleeting. Even if then-OL coach Pierre Sage saw something: “If we had the time to work with him, the outcome could have been similar to Strasbourg.” Breaking down resistance one by one. Convincing as a left-back under Liam Rosenior, he shines as a right winger under Gary O’Neil, who sees him going “very high”. A very precise piston.

Martial Godo, 23, winger, Ivory Coast

We do not know the connection of his parents to literature, but what we do know is that Becket Fabrice-Martial Godo was not expected at this level. At his majority, the Londoner, overlooked by elite training centers, was still playing in the 7th English division (Margate), in the depths of Kent. Fulham gave him a chance before Racing sensed the potential in this balanced player, signing him on the last day of the transfer window for 7 million euros. He already knows that the investment will pay off. Although inconsistent in finishing, Godo has been a scorer 14 times this season, and a provider six times. Adding a goal in each category for his debut, at the end of March, with Ivory Coast, the country of his family roots.