In January, I wrote about the astonishing skill of Jean Carlos Chera, a nine-year-old Brazilian kid who appears to be the second coming of Pele. Don’t believe me? Watch this video (WMV, sorry). I’m no soccer expert, but the way he traps the ball, strikes it well with both feet, his free kicks–they’re all far superior to everybody else on the field. It’s like watching old footage of a ten-year-old Gretzky play.
Today I read that Chera has eschewed Manchester United and “signed” with Santos, a Brazilian club. I’ve put signed in quotes because, under Brazilian law, he can’t actually sign a professional contract until he’s 16. If he stays in Brazil, I’d say they’ll be changing that rule in four or five years.
DarrenBarefoot.com 
I just checked out the Jean Carlos Chera video and it is unbelievable. I know some people say that he isn’t amazing but there is a poll at a Jean Carlos Chera Fan Site – http://www.cherasite.com – which clearly shows that most people (around 70%) who see the highlight video are mesmerized by it. There are some skeptics out there but most people, like me, believe he is the real deal. I think Santos was brilliant for signing him up – and beating Manchester United to the chase!