Young Guns of Europe: Shining in the Champions League. Despite its elite status, the UEFA Champions League consistently showcases Europe’s brightest young talents. This season is no exception, with players like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery making waves.
The Future is Bright for Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal:
With 16-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal waiting in the wings for Barcelona, the Champions League can expect even more young stars to emerge in the coming years. Yamal already holds the La Liga record for youngest scorer and could potentially rewrite Champions League history if he nets a goal in the next round.
Youngest Scorers as of now:
The competition boasts a prestigious list of players who notched their first Champions League goals before turning 18. Here are some notable names:
- Ansu Fati (17 years, 40 days): Now at Brighton, Fati held the youngest scorer record for five years with his goal for Barcelona in 2019.
- Antonio Nusa (17 years, 149 days): The Norwegian impressed with Club Brugge in 2022, despite missing a recent Premier League move.
- George Ilenikhena (17 years, 119 days): The Antwerp youngster stole the show with a late winner against Barcelona this season, briefly holding a French record.
- Mateo Kovacic (17 years, 215 days): Now a Champions League winner with Manchester City, Kovacic scored for Dinamo Zagreb in 2011.
- Cesc Fabregas & Bojan Krkic (17 years, 217 days each): La Masia graduates Fabregas (Arsenal) and Krkic (Barcelona) both scored their first goals on the same day in 2008.
- Breel Embolo (17 years, 263 days): The Swiss striker, currently with AS Monaco, found his first Champions League victim in Ludogorets back in 2014.
- Jude Bellingham (17 years, 289 days): Now a Real Madrid star, Bellingham’s goal for Borussia Dortmund against Manchester City in 2021 marked the beginning of a bright career.
- Jamal Musiala (17 years, 363 days): The German prodigy scored for Bayern Munich against Lazio in 2021, showcasing his talent at a young age.
- Aaron Ramsey (17 years, 300 days): Over a decade ago, Ramsey etched his name in Arsenal’s history books with a goal against Fenerbahce.
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