Lamine Yamal is top on the list of young footballers who tasted Champions League football with their clubs at a very tender age.
Lamine Yamal made his Champions League debut on October 5, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 83 days. He started for Barcelona in their Group H match against FC Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.
Yamal became the youngest player to ever start a Champions League match, breaking the previous record held by Celestine Babayaro. He also became the second youngest player to ever feature in the Champions League, after Youssoufa Moukoko.
Yamal had a solid debut, playing 71 minutes before being substituted. He was involved in a number of Barcelona’s attacks, and he showed glimpses of his talent.
Barcelona won the match 1-0, and Yamal was praised by his manager Xavi Hernandez for his performance.
“Lamine Yamal is a special player,” Xavi said. “He has a lot of talent, and he is not afraid to take risks. He had a very good debut, and I am excited to see what the future holds for him.”
Yamal’s Champions League debut is a major milestone in his young career. It is a testament to his talent and potential, and it is a sign that he is ready to compete at the highest level.
It remains to be seen how Yamal’s career will develop, but he has already made a big impression on the football world. He is one of the most exciting young players in the game, and he has the potential to become a superstar.
Other youngsters who played Champions League football and their debut age
- Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund) – 16 years and 18 days
- Celestine Babayaro (Anderlecht) – 16 years and 87 days
- Rayan Cherki (Olympique Lyonnais) – 16 years and 102 days
- Alen Halilovic (Dinamo Zagreb) – 16 years and 128 days
- Youri Tielemans (Anderlecht) – 16 years and 148 days
Moukoko made his Champions League debut for Borussia Dortmund in December 2020, just 18 days after his 16th birthday. He broke the record previously held by Babayaro, who made his debut for Anderlecht in November 1994.
Cherki, Halilovic, and Tielemans all made their Champions League debuts at the age of 16, and they are all considered to be some of the most promising young players in European football.
