The UEFA Champions League has witnessed some remarkable young talents over the years, but who are the youngest players to grace this prestigious competition? And which players claimed the title of Champions League winner before their 20th birthday?
The Youngest Debutants:
Max Dowman, a name that will forever be etched in the history of European football, became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League at just 15 years and 308 days old. On November 4, 2025, the Arsenal midfielder replaced Leandro Trossard in a 3-0 victory against Slavia Praha, making him the first 15-year-old to play in the competition. But here's where it gets controversial—Dowman's youth record is not without its critics. Some argue that such young players should focus on their development rather than being thrust into the spotlight.
Youssoufa Moukoko, a striker with immense potential, made his Champions League debut for Dortmund at 16 years and 18 days old. Born just ten years after Céléstine Babayaro set the previous record, Moukoko's journey to the top began at a young age. His talent was evident from his time at St Pauli Under-13s, and he quickly progressed through the ranks at Dortmund. But was this rapid rise too much, too soon?
Lamine Yamal, a Barcelona winger, became the second-youngest player to appear in the Champions League on Matchday 1 of the 2023/24 season. At 16 years and 68 days old, he had already made his La Liga debut and scored for the senior Spain team. Yamal's mother's words of caution and his response showcase the fine line between youthful ambition and potential risks.
Céléstine Babayaro, a Nigerian left-back, made history in the 1994/95 season when he started for Anderlecht at Steaua, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history at 16 years and 86 days old. However, his debut was not without controversy, as he also became the youngest player to be sent off, just 37 minutes into the game.
Rayan Cherki, an attacking midfielder, almost broke Babayaro's record but had to settle for his debut at 16 years and 102 days old. Cherki's talent was evident from his performances in the UEFA Youth League, where he scored four goals in three matchdays. But is it fair to put such pressure on young players to perform at the highest level?
Alen Halilović, a Croatian sensation, made his Champions League debut for Dinamo Zagreb at 16 years and 128 days old. Billed as the next Luka Modrić, Halilović had already made history in the Prva Liga. However, his career took a different path, with loan spells becoming a regular feature.
The Youngest Winners:
In the 1995 final, Ajax's incredible squad defeated AC Milan, and among them were two of the youngest Champions League winners ever. Nwankwo Kanu, at 18 years and 296 days old, and Patrick Kluivert, at 18 years and 327 days old, both came on as substitutes and played a part in Ajax's triumph. But was this a case of youthful exuberance or a calculated risk by the Ajax management?
Fast forward to 2025, and Paris Saint-Germain's Senny Mayulu and Warren Zaïre-Emery became the latest teenagers to win the Champions League. Mayulu scored just two minutes after coming on as a substitute, while Zaïre-Emery also played a crucial role. But does this success guarantee a bright future, or is it a fleeting moment in their careers?
Other notable young winners include Iker Casillas, who won the title at 19 years and 4 days old, and Clarence Seedorf, who achieved the feat at 19 years and 53 days old. These players' achievements are a testament to their talent and the faith shown in them by their clubs.
The youngest Champions League players and winners showcase the fine balance between nurturing young talent and exposing them to the pressures of elite football. It sparks the debate: Should we celebrate these records or question the potential risks involved? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
