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3. Samy Merheg, the Lebanese-Colombian Prodigy Who Caught Jorge Mendes’ Eye

It’s a story that’s starting to make noise well beyond Lebanon. At just 18 years old, Samy Jr. Merheg has been taken under the wing of Jorge Mendes, one of the most powerful agents in world football, known for managing the careers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal, and Bernardo Silva, as reported by the Spanish outlet AS.
This partnership says everything about the potential of the young Deportivo Pereira forward and about the growing attention he is attracting on the international stage.

For Merheg, this collaboration marks a major turning point. Scouted for his sense of positioning and remarkable maturity, he is emerging as one of the most promising young players in Colombian football. Strong, fast, and aerially gifted, he combines efficiency and composure inside the box, a rare mix for his age. At Pereira, he has earned a regular place in the starting lineup, scoring several decisive goals that quickly caught the attention of European scouts.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Merheg ranks fourth worldwide among U-23 forwards for off-ball movement outside the top five European leagues and first among players under 20.

A Dual Identity, Fully Embraced

Born in Pereira, Colombia, on December 6, 2006, Samy Merheg embodies a blend of cultures and influences. His father, Habib Merheg, is a Colombian politician of Lebanese descent, while his mother, Juliana Enciso, a former volleyball player, comes from a family equally involved in sports and public life. Between the Colombian Andes and the cedars of Lebanon, Samy grew up in an environment where ambition, discipline, and openness were second nature.

This dual heritage led him to a meaningful choice: to represent Lebanon on the international stage. It was a decision of both heart and identity, a way to honor his roots.

“I want to make Lebanon shine in world football,” he reportedly told those close to him, according to local media.

In November 2024, he donned the national jersey for the first time and immediately made an impact, scoring a brace against Myanmar on his debut. Within just a few matches, he became one of the leading faces of Lebanon’s new generation, one that dreams of seeing the Cedars become a force in Asian football.

A Promising Journey

Before joining Pereira, Samy followed an atypical path for a player his age. He spent time in several youth academies abroad, notably in Spain (Cornellà, Sant Cugat) and Argentina, where he briefly trained at Rosario Central. This multicultural journey shaped a well-rounded player: South American discipline, European flair, and Middle Eastern determination.

His professional debut in Colombia confirmed the high expectations surrounding him. From his first start, he impressed with his physical presence and his ability to challenge defenders. Coaches praise his humility, his dedication in training, and his eagerness to learn. At just 18, he already looks like a player “ready for the next step.”

What’s Next?

With Jorge Mendes now guiding his career, Samy Merheg’s future appears poised to reach new heights. Several European clubs are reportedly keeping a close eye on him. His complete striker profile, early maturity, and calm demeanor are drawing attention, yet behind the growing spotlight, Samy remains grounded. He knows this is only the beginning.

Between Colombia, the land that raised him, and Lebanon, the country he proudly represents, Samy Merheg is advancing step by step. In a football world overflowing with fleeting talents, he stands out for his maturity and clear sense of identity.
And if his name is beginning to circulate in the offices of major clubs, it’s perhaps because, beyond his talent, he already embodies the kind of story football loves to tell: that of a young man between two worlds, determined to find his own path — with a ball at his feet.