It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for 18-year-old Mo Missanga, with the Academy product making his debut for Oxford United against MK Dons, and then scoring his first professional goal against Leicester City.
It may seem like Mo’s career has just begun, but behind every success story is a dedicated network of Academy staff, families, support teams and EFL Youth Development Managers who work together to create the best possible environment for young players to fulfil their potential, both on and off the pitch.
The EFL is a powerhouse of youth development producing top-tier footballers for Club and country. Every season, EFL Clubs provide opportunities for thousands of young players to learn, develop and thrive, with many progressing to First Team football, earning international recognition or taking the next step in their careers through invaluable senior playing opportunities.
As part of the Raised in the EFL campaign, we are taking a look at Mo’s journey so far.
“Near my house, we used to have this court and me and my friends would just go and play all the time,” Mo said.
Growing up in the Reading area, Mo started playing football aged eight-years-old before joining his first grassroots club, Eldon Celtic JFC, a year later.
“I started playing football for fun and I really enjoyed it, but it got to a point where I wanted a bit more.”
After impressing at grassroots level, an opportunity came to join Oxford United, which Mo described as a proud moment for him and his family.
“Me and my friend went to an open trial at the Club and we were just enjoying playing against new people.
“I did quite well and a few months later, I was invited back to go for a trial with the Under-12s.
“I’ve not looked back and have been here ever since.”
Described as having great stamina and the ability to run up and down the pitch, Mo was initially a midfielder before his love for beating players and scoring goals saw him transition into a more attacking position. It wasn’t a straight-forward journey through the Academy pathway, however, with an injury at Under-14 level keeping Mo out of action for six months. Upon his return, another unfortunate injury setback resulted in him missing a further year of football.
During this difficult period, Mo highlighted how his Academy coaches provided constant support throughout.
"The mental side can often get overlooked when you're younger.
"Especially during that time, they made sure to call me and ask me how I was. They would check how my mental health was, making sure I was still happy and positive.
"I'm really happy and grateful to the coaches as well, especially like people like Rob Hall. He's really helped me along the way and is always telling me to be myself, be positive, be creative and yeah, l'm really happy and thankful for him as well."
Returning to full fitness, Mo flourished at Under-16 and Under-18 levels before making his mark for the newly-formed Under-21s team last season. Reflecting on his journey, he picks out going on tour for the first time and the FA Youth Cup run as some of his favourite memories. The winger was instrumental in the Young U’s reaching the Fifth Round of the competition, where they were ultimately knocked out by Manchester United, and scored on his Kassam Stadium debut against Wigan Athletic Under-18s.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, Mo netted 16 goals in total, earning call-ups to First Team training before being named in the matchday squad for the first time against Birmingham City on 31 January 2026.
“I trained with them on the Friday before the match and thought I had a decent session.
“I was then going home on my scooter and Pablo Haysham called me and told me to come back to the Training Centre.
“When I got back, everyone told me I was in the squad tomorrow and I didn’t really know how to feel."
Mo didn’t make his debut that day, but described the match as an invaluable experience regardless.
“When we ran out of the warm-up and I saw all the fans filling up the stadium, I just tried to take in the atmosphere.
“There’s so much difference, but when you’re there, you realise it’s closer than you think.”
The past few weeks have proven to be the breakthrough time for Mo. It was while training with his Academy teammates in pre-season that the youngster caught the eye of new Head Coach Aaron Ramsey. A First Team debut would soon follow, with Mo coming on at half-time against MK Dons and impressing supporters with his fearless performance.
He was rewarded with starts against Huddersfield Town and Leicester City, scoring his first professional goal and assisting another in United's emphatic 4-0 win at the King Power Stadium.
"I've just been really happy, I can't even hide my emotions.
"The lads have been really welcoming and just keep telling me to be myself which has allowed me to go and express myself on the pitch."
Mo's father and younger brother were in attendance at Leicester, with the winger highlighting how pleased he was to repay their faith following years of support.
"My dad's really helped me because he's driven me from Reading to Oxford from young, changing work shifts to schedule around me.
"I'm really grateful for him and I also want to impress my little brother and be an idol to him."
Take a look back at 'Mo Missanga's football journey' by clicking HERE.
