THE young brother of football star Raphael Lea’ai, has taken the social media by storm after his back-heel dribble caught the attention of spectators and football fans.
He is now dubbed ‘a rising star.’
George Lea’ai is part of the Under-15 football side currently competing in the 2025 OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament.
The competition runs from Tuesday 15th April to Wednesday 23rd April in Auckland, New Zealand.
This sensational dribble was caught on camera during a match against Fiji on Tuesday.
During the match, he ran with the ball to one of the corner flags. From there he went past a young Fijian defender through a back-heel dribble, before picking up the ball and passing it to his team mate. However, his team mate placed the ball out wide and missed an opportunity for goal.
Since the clip was uploaded online and went viral, it has caught the attention of everyone.
Many have described the young lad as a rising star for Solomon Islands because at an early age he has developed his football skills.
Lea’ai is one of the talented young players from SALT Futsal Development side.
In February he was selected in the National U15 Team.
SALT management described his selection as a remarkable milestone for the player.
“With every achievement comes greater motivation to continue shaping young athletes and inspiring future generations.
“Keep striving for excellence, and may this success be just the beginning of even greater things ahead of you George,” the statement said in February.
SALT had also highlighted that some of the top footballers started their football career as Futsal players.
Two of the top players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Mess were cited and quoted.
Cristiano Ronaldo: “During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was futsal. The small playing area really helped me improve my close control, quick thinking, and footwork.
“Whenever I played futsal I felt free. If it wasn’t for futsal, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”
Lionel Messi: “As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the street and for my club. It was tremendous fun, and it really helped me become who I am today.
“It’s a game that gives you confidence and skill. You are always in contact with the ball and have to make decisions fast. It’s great for young players.”
SALT said, the quotes echoe loudly in the story of Micah Lea’alafa, Raphael Lea,’ai and George Lea’ai, a rising star from the Solomon Islands.
From school futsal clinics to the SALT Futsal School of Excellence, from playing in the Bulk Shop School Futsal League to earning a place at the SIFF National Football Academy — George’s journey began with futsal. Now he’s shining on the Oceania stage as part of our National U15 Team.
His story is proof: Futsal builds futures.
“We challenge all of Oceania — federations, schools, churches, and communities — to engage our children in futsal from as early as age 5 to 14.
“Let’s invest in our youth. Let’s raise the next generation of football and futsal stars.
“The next George Lea’ai is out there — waiting for a ball, a court, a chance and a helping hand.
“Lets serve our next generation, together we can serve, together we can raise as the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.
“All glory to God,” the statement concluded.
Photo caption: George in Action at New Zealand. Photo OFC
