Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzić still believes there’s a Ballon d’Or winner inside Jadon Sancho — despite the winger’s turbulent spell at Manchester United and an underwhelming series of loan moves that have cast doubts over his once dazzling promise.
Jadon Sancho: A talent waiting to reignite
Sancho’s journey has been one of breathtaking highs and frustrating lows.
Once hailed as one of England’s brightest young stars, the winger’s career trajectory shifted dramatically after his £73 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United in 2021.
What was meant to be a triumphant return to English football quickly turned into a struggle for form, confidence, and consistency.
Across 83 appearances, Sancho managed only 12 goals, as cited by Transfermarkt, eventually slipping down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order.
By January 2024, he found himself back at Signal Iduna Park, on loan, seeking the spark that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting attackers.
Even in his brief return to Germany, Sancho showed flashes of his old brilliance — helping Dortmund reach the Champions League final and reminding fans of the fearless playmaker who once tormented Bundesliga defences.
Now 25, Sancho’s best years may still lie ahead. And for Terzić, the man who helped nurture his development, the story of Jadon Sancho is far from over.
Terzić’s enduring faith in Sancho’s gift
Speaking to The Telegraph, Terzić expressed unwavering belief in Sancho’s natural ability, placing him in the same conversation as football’s elite young stars.
“All those players can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. Even Jadon,” Terzić said. “From the talent point of view, if you talk about Jadon, then maybe five years ago you would talk about Ousmane Dembélé [who won the prize this year with Paris Saint-Germain] in the same way. I am talking about the talent and potential.”
Terzić, who has coached the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Erling Haaland, knows what world-class potential looks like — and insists Sancho still has it.
“The difference is Erling will reach this level if he stays hungry; Jadon will only reach this level if he keeps smiling – and Jude needs to do both,” he continued.
“I really love Jude. He and Declan Rice will be the key figures in English football for the next 10 years. They have leadership and Jude has the ability to give solutions on the highest levels [and] make players around him better. This is what he can do.”
Finding joy again
Terzić’s words paint a picture of a player whose destiny is tied not just to talent or tactics — but to happiness. For Sancho, rediscovering the joy that once defined his game could be the key to unlocking his true potential.
As the winger continues his search for stability and confidence, one thing remains clear: in the eyes of those who know him best, Jadon Sancho’s story isn’t finished — it’s just waiting for the right spark to reignite.