Birmingham City's teenage YouTube sensation, Lorenzo Greer, experienced a harsh footballing lesson as his Under-18s side were thrashed 6-0 by a Manchester United team featuring Wayne Rooney's son, Kai.
From YouTube Stardom to Academy Hopes
Known online as Tekkerz Kid, the 16-year-old midfielder boasts a staggering 1.7 million subscribers and over 480 million views on his YouTube channel. His platform, started a decade ago by his parents Nathan and Tara to help with the cost of football boots, has charted his rise from grassroots football to Birmingham City's esteemed academy.
Through his social media fame, Greer has already met global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe—the latter of whom he actually surpasses in YouTube followers. He is also an athlete for sportswear giant Under Armour.
A Day to Forget at Carrington
The young star's first start of the season came in a defensive midfield role, playing two years above his age group, in the Under-18 Premier League Cup. However, the match at United's training complex was a one-sided affair. The hosts, also featuring wonderkid JJ Gabriel, ran out comprehensive winners, with Kai Rooney netting the sixth goal for Darren Fletcher's side to seal a perfect group stage.
Despite the heavy defeat, Greer's focus remains unwavering. He has cited Birmingham's own Jude Bellingham as a major inspiration, having met him several times. "Jude told me, 'Keep playing your game and stay humble,'" Greer revealed in an interview. "So I've got to do that, keep working hard and let my football do the talking. My end goal is to be a pro footballer."
The Path Ahead for Birmingham's Next Prospect
Greer represents the latest talent from a production line that has already delivered Jude and Jobe Bellingham to the top of European football. While he is yet to make a first-team appearance for Birmingham, his significant social media following has granted him celebrity status in the city.
Reflecting on his unexpected journey, Greer said: "It's crazy and doesn't seem real. We never thought it would get this big. My parents were in a chip shop and had this cool idea, 'Lorenzo likes football, why don't we put some videos out showing how good he is?'" From those humble beginnings, the Tekkerz Kid is now determined to translate his online skills into a lasting professional career on the pitch.
