The UEFA Champions League is home to some of the biggest legends in football, but it has also been a launching pad for rising stars. Over the years, several youngest players have made history by debuting in this elite competition before turning 17. These wonderkids, full of promise and skill, have caught global attention with their early breakthroughs. Let’s count down the top 10 youngest footballers ever to play in the Champions League.
10. Bojan Krkić
Age– 17 years, 22 days
Bojan Krkić emerged as one of the youngest footballers to feature in the UEFA Champions League when he debuted for Barcelona in 2007. His technical skill, quick feet, and sharp attacking instinct made him a standout among Europe’s rising stars. At the time, Bojan was widely seen as the next big thing in Spanish football. Despite showing early promise and playing across top European leagues, his career didn’t fully reach the heights expected. Still, he remains a memorable name among the youngest footballers to shine on Europe’s grandest stage.
9. Warren Zaïre-Emery
Age– 16 years, 343 days
Zaïre-Emery made history when he started for PSG against Maccabi Haifa. His midfield maturity stood out, even among seasoned pros. As one of the youngest players in the club’s history, he is already being groomed as the future of both PSG and the French national team.
8. Jude Bellingham
Age– 17 years, 113 days
Jude Bellingham burst into the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 2020. Already a key figure in midfield, he showed composure beyond his age. Among all the youngest players to feature in the competition, Bellingham is one of the few who continues to rise at the elite level.
7. Youri Tielemans
Age – 16 years, 148 days
Tielemans debuted for Anderlecht and immediately turned heads with his calmness and ball control. His appearance in 2013 against Olympiacos marked him as one of Belgium’s most promising youngest players. His career has since included spells in the Premier League and a European title with Leicester.
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6. Kenneth Zohore
Age– 16 years, 150 days
Zohore was only 16 when he started for FC Copenhagen against Barcelona. Though he didn’t become a global star, his early Champions League moment ensures his name remains on the list of youngest players in the tournament’s history.
5. Charalampos Mavrias
Age– 16 years, 147 days
The Greek winger featured for Panathinaikos against Rubin Kazan in 2009. He showcased raw pace and energy, becoming one of the youngest players ever to represent his club in the UCL. While his career stayed mostly in Greece and Germany, his record debut still stands out.
4. Alen Halilović
Age– 16 years, 128 days
A Croatian prodigy, Halilović appeared for Dinamo Zagreb versus PSG at just 16. Tipped as the “next Modrić,” he became one of the most talked-about youngest footballers in Europe. Though his career didn’t fully take off, his early debut remains a major milestone.
3. Rayan Cherki
Age– 16 years, 102 days
Rayan Cherki lit up the UCL with Lyon before turning 17. Known for his dribbling and creativity, Cherki quickly became one of Europe’s most technically gifted youngest players. He has since moved to Manchester City, aiming to become a regular under Pep Guardiola.
2. Celestine Babayaro
Age– 16 years, 86 days
Celestine Babayaro made history in 1994 as one of the Youngest Footballers to ever play in the UEFA Champions League. Representing Anderlecht at just 16 years and 86 days old, he set a record that stood for years. However, his debut came with a twist—he was sent off, making him one of the only debutants to receive a red card at such a young age. Despite the rocky start, Babayaro had a successful career, going on to win trophies with Chelsea and feature regularly for the Nigerian national team.
1. Youssoufa Moukoko
Age– 16 years, 18 days
The youngest player ever in Champions League history, Moukoko made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in 2020. With his clinical finishing and strength, he’s often compared to greats like Samuel Eto’o. Among all youngest players, Moukoko’s trajectory looks the most promising.
FAQs
Q1. Who is the youngest player to ever play in the UEFA Champions League?
A: Youssoufa Moukoko holds the record at just 16 years and 18 days.
Q2. Which club has fielded the most youngest footballers?
A: Borussia Dortmund and Anderlecht are known for trusting young talents in the Champions League.
Q3. Has any youngest footballers won the Champions League soon after debut?
A: While many debut young, few win immediately. Jude Bellingham may be one of the closest in the current generation.
Q4. Are all youngest footballers still playing professionally?
A: Most are still active, though not all have reached superstar status.