‘I Was Man Utd’s Next Big Star and Messi Loved Me – Now I’ve Been Released by Northampton’
There was a time when Indy Boonen was seen as one of the brightest young stars in Manchester United’s academy — a name tipped for future stardom, a technically gifted winger with flair, vision, and that intangible “something special.” Even Lionel Messi once showed admiration for him. But football is a brutal game, and careers don’t always follow the trajectory they seem destined for.
Fast forward to 2025, and Boonen finds himself released by Northampton Town, a far cry from the glamour of Old Trafford or the Camp Nou. His story is one of unfulfilled potential, injuries, missed chances, and the harsh reality of life outside football’s elite tier.
Let’s take a deeper look at Boonen’s journey — from his days in Manchester United’s academy to sharing headlines with Messi, to the sobering moment he was let go by a League One club.
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The Manchester United Dream
Born in Belgium, Indy Boonen joined Manchester United’s academy in 2015 after impressing at Genk. At just 16, the winger was already being described as “one of Belgium’s most exciting young prospects,” with scouts across Europe monitoring his progress.
At Carrington, Boonen stood out for his left-footed creativity, eye for goal, and fearless dribbling. Coaches saw in him echoes of former United wide men like Ryan Giggs and Nani — players with flair and final-product ability. He became a fixture in the youth sides, and fans began to whisper his name as one to watch.
But United’s academy is a conveyor belt of talent, and only a few make it through. By 2018, Boonen had not broken into the first team, and with his pathway blocked by stars like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, he made the tough decision to leave.
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A Leap to Oostende — And a Moment with Messi
After leaving United, Boonen returned to Belgium and signed with KV Oostende in the Belgian Pro League. It was a promising move. At 19, he was given regular minutes and the chance to develop in a competitive senior environment.
But it was an encounter off the pitch that grabbed headlines: Lionel Messi reportedly complimented Boonen after a youth international tournament, praising his technical skill and awareness. The story, which Boonen later confirmed in interviews, became a footnote in his career — a moment of recognition from the greatest ever, and a source of pride.
“Messi said he liked the way I played,” Boonen once said. “For me, that was incredible. It gave me confidence that I could go far.”
But as often happens in football, confidence doesn’t always translate into consistency.
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Injuries and the Hard Climb
At Oostende, Boonen’s progress was hampered by injury setbacks, particularly recurring hamstring and knee issues. As his game time decreased, so did the attention. From being on the radar of national team selectors and top-flight clubs, he slowly drifted into the background.
By 2022, he was no longer considered a rising star in Belgium. A brief loan move didn’t reignite his form, and when Oostende’s financial situation worsened, Boonen was released. At 22, the player once seen as “the next big thing” at United was without a club.
But he wasn’t ready to give up.
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A Chance at Redemption – And the Reality of League One
In 2023, Northampton Town, then pushing for stability in League One, offered Boonen a short-term contract. It was a lifeline — a chance to rebuild, prove himself in English football again, and perhaps climb back up the ladder.
Boonen showed glimpses of his old self: tight ball control, a willingness to take on defenders, a few goals and assists. But he struggled to find consistency. Adapting to the physicality of League One, dealing with cold midweek fixtures in front of sparse crowds, and the mental toll of no longer being “the star” took its toll.
Despite the occasional spark, Northampton announced in May 2025 that Boonen would not be retained for the upcoming season. In a short press release, his name was listed among those released — no fanfare, no final game send-off.
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Reflection: What Went Wrong?
Boonen’s story is not unique. Football is full of wonderkids who never quite make it. But his tale is particularly poignant because of how high the expectations were — and how quickly reality set in.
So what went wrong?
1. Injuries: The recurring hamstring and knee issues disrupted crucial years of development.
2. Competition: At United, he was surrounded by elite talent. Without standout performances, it’s easy to get overlooked.
3. Timing: Leaving United was brave, but maybe too early. A loan spell could have helped more than a permanent exit.
4. Pressure: Being tagged as “the next big star” comes with mental pressure many young players struggle with.
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Where Next for Boonen?
Still only 25, Boonen’s career isn’t necessarily over. There are reports of interest from clubs in Belgium’s second division and teams in the Netherlands, where the technical style might better suit his attributes. There’s also the possibility of a move to Scandinavia or the MLS, where players with flair and pedigree are often given a second chance.
For Boonen, it’s about rediscovering the love for the game. In a recent interview after his release, he said:
> “I’ve been through a lot. I’m not the kid at United anymore. But I still believe in myself, and I still believe I have something to offer. This is just another chapter — not the end.”
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Lessons from a Harsh Industry
Indy Boonen’s story is a reminder of the brutal nature of professional football. Talent alone isn’t enough. Timing, opportunity, mental strength, and luck all play a role. For every Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho, there are dozens of Boonens — players who had the skill, the hype, and even Messi’s praise, but not the trajectory.
Yet his story is also one of resilience. He didn’t quit after United. He moved across borders, dropped divisions, and kept chasing the game. In an era where fans and media often mock “failed wonderkids,” Boonen represents the other side: players who gave everything but found the journey harder than anyone expected.
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Conclusion: A Career in Transition
From Manchester United prodigy to a free agent released by Northampton, Indy Boonen’s journey is far from what many once imagined. But football has a funny way of offering second chances. Perhaps not under the bright lights of Old Trafford or the Camp Nou, but somewhere quieter — a place to rebuild, reframe, and rediscover joy.
And for fans who remember the headlines and the hype, his story offers a poignant question: What really
makes a football career “successful”? For Boonen, the answer may yet lie in the chapters still to come.
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