While the UEFA Champions League has long been a stage for the world’s greatest talents to announce themselves, some stars waste no time making their mark—debuting in Europe’s most prestigious club competition before their 17th birthdays!
Here, we take a look at the five youngest players to ever grace the Champions League, a list filled with prodigious talent and inspiring stories.
Here Are The 5 Youngest Players in Champions League History
5. Alen Halilović (16 years, 128 days)
Match: Dinamo Zagreb 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain, October 24, 2012
Billed as the "next Luka Modrić," Alen Halilović’s early promise was undeniable. At just 16 years and 128 days, the Croatian midfielder made his Champions League debut for Dinamo Zagreb against PSG.
While his career trajectory didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations that surrounded his early years, Halilović’s potential was clear during his teenage years. Spells at Barcelona and AC Milan followed, but injuries and inconsistency hampered his development.
4. Rayan Cherki (16 years, 102 days)
Match: Zenit 2-0 Lyon, November 27, 2019
Lyon’s Rayan Cherki has long been touted as one of France’s brightest prospects, and his Champions League debut at 16 years and 102 days only reinforced that reputation. The attacking midfielder, known for his creativity and flair, had already dazzled in youth competitions, and his step up to senior football came with high expectations. Cherki has continued to impress, solidifying his place as a key player for Lyon and a future French international.
3. Céléstine Babayaro (16 years, 86 days)
Match: Steaua Bucharest 1-1 Anderlecht, November 23, 1994
Before Moukoko shattered the record, Nigerian left-back Céléstine Babayaro held the distinction as the youngest player to appear in the Champions League. Babayaro debuted for Anderlecht in 1994, but his introduction to European football wasn’t entirely smooth—he was sent off just 37 minutes into his debut! Despite the inauspicious start, Babayaro would go on to have a successful career, including stints at Chelsea and Nigeria’s national team.
2. Lamine Yamal (16 years, 68 days)
Match: Barcelona 5-0 Antwerp, September 19, 2023
Barcelona’s latest wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, burst onto the scene during the 2023/24 season. At just 16 years and 68 days, Yamal became the second-youngest player in Champions League history.
The winger, known for his electric pace and dribbling skills, also became the youngest player to feature in the knockout stages later that season. Barcelona’s trust in Yamal mirrors the club's history of nurturing young talent, and he’s already tipped to become the next La Masia legend.
1. Youssoufa Moukoko (16 years, 18 days)
Match: Zenit 1-2 Borussia Dortmund, December 8, 2020
Youssoufa Moukoko holds the record as the youngest player to ever play in the Champions League. Born in Cameroon but representing Germany, Moukoko broke into Borussia Dortmund’s first team shortly after turning 16.
Just 18 days after celebrating his birthday, he made his European debut against Zenit. Known for his goal-scoring feats at youth level, Moukoko's rise was meteoric, and his record-breaking debut showcased Dortmund’s confidence in their teen sensation.
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