Is Lionel Messi-loving Roony Bardghji named after Man Utd legend? FC Copenhagen wonderkid explains amid Premier League transfer talk

The Swedish-Syrian sensation, who has been billed as the ‘next Zlatan Ibrahimovic’, has been making quite the stir with Danish outfit FC Copenhagen. He only turned 18 in November 2023, but he has already starred on a Champions League stage and is being linked with Premier League giants United and Chelsea.

Bardghji has told The Athletic of the obvious questions that are being asked about his name: “By the way, my name is not related to Wayne Rooney at all. It was a lucky name my mum gave me.”

He is, however, determined to tread a similar path to Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, adding on his long-term ambition: “Well, I wish to become the best player in the world. Of course, playing in the biggest leagues, playing for one of the biggest teams… but being the best player in the world. That’s my biggest goal. That’s what I’m working towards every day, reaching my goal in five years… If you’re dreaming, dream big.”

The title of ‘best player on the planet’ is currently reserved for Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Messi, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner a player that Bardghji looks to for inspiration. He added on his heroes growing up: “It was always Messi. No one else, to be honest, when I was young. I always watched his clips and always tried to do the same on the pitch. I just love Messi.”

Bardghji is Copenhagen’s youngest-ever player, and the youngest to score in the Danish SuperLiga – with those records being broken at the age of 16 – and the expectation is that it will not be long before he is turning out in one of European football’s most decorated divisions.