Sent away by Sparta, but now the Champions League awaits

Dutch winger Severina, released by Sparta as a teenager, has qualified for the Champions League with Sabah FC after the Azerbaijani champions won their first title.

Xander Severina's journey from being released by Sparta Rotterdam at 17 to playing in the Champions League is complete. The 25-year-old Dutch winger, who spent time in the lower divisions with ADO Den Haag before a stint at Casa Pia in Portugal, joined Sabah FC last summer. The Azerbaijani club, founded just nine years ago, won their first domestic title this season and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history, with Severina playing a key role in their eight qualifying-round victories. He will now face elite European sides including Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal.