A multinational footballer

VfB Stuttgart player Kevin Kuranyi (L) vies with Energy Cottbus player Gregg Berhalter (R) during their German Bundesliga match in Cottbus on Saturday, 05 April 2003. AFP PHOTO DPA/MIGUEL VILLAGRAN

Germany and their fervent supporters discovered a new hero in 2003 in the form of Kevin Kuranyi, who has burst onto the scene for the Mannshcaft and is seen as a future source of goals for Rudi Voller's side.

Born in Rio de Janeiro to a German father and Panamenian mother, Kuranyi who has three nationalities (German, Brazilian and Panamenian) moved back to Germany at the age of 15.

He has already earmarked himself as a gifted prospect while playing in Brazil in the youth system at Serrano FC Petropolis and later in Panama for Sporting San Miguelito before joining the ranks of Stuttgart in his new home.

He was also a talented tennis player but football was his future and after progressing through the youth ranks at Stuttgart, made his full team debut during the 2001-02 season going on to make 5 appearances that year in the Bundesliga.

International reserve

Stuttgart's Kevin Kuranyi (front) vies for the ball against Panathinaikos Athen's Nasief Morris (back-South Africa) during their UEFA Champion's League match in Stuttgart, 22 October 2003. AFP PHOTO DDP/OLIVER LANG GERMANY OUT

He then made his breakthrough the following season playing virtually every match (32), and his efficient scoring rate (15 goals) caught the eyes of national selectors during a season in which Stuttgart also finished runners-up in the German top flight behind Bayern Munich.

Voller had seen enough and called up Kuranyi for the Euro 2004 qualifier against Lithuania in March, 2003 just one month after his 21st birthday.

Stuttgart's Kevin Kuranyi celebrates after scoring against Manchester United during their Champion's League match in Stuttgart 01 October 2003. AFP PHOTO DDP/OLIVER LANG GERMANY OUT

It was an opportunity that Kuranyi did not let slip by and he became a regular in qualifying scoring his first goal for German in the key match against Iceland in what was his sixth appearance.

Back at Stuttgart, he continues to excel both in league and Champions League play attracting the interest of a number of clubs including mighty AC Milan who want to bring the exciting propect to the San Siro.

However, Kuranyi signed a contract extention with Stuttgart in December 2003 that runs until 2008, which would make him an expensive signing should anyone wish to prise him away from them.

A cinema buff and also a fan of volleyball and surfing, Kuranyi now has a chance to shine at Euro 2004 where Germany will again line up as contenders in an exciting line-up in Portugal.