Record-Breaking Teenagers Who Stunned Europe's Elite Competition

The Champions League provides the globe's top talents with opportunities to create legendary moments, though youth certainly doesn't hinder European achievements.

Numerous teenage prodigies have shined brightly on Europe's most prestigious platform throughout the years, gaining recognition for their early appearances in the tournament. Many have experienced the unique contrast of playing under Champions League stadium lights one evening, only to face a classroom test the following morning.

While not every young participant in the competition has achieved stellar careers afterward, they've all secured their spots in football's record books.

Below are the ten most youthful players to participate in the Champions League following its restructuring in 1992.

10. Charis Mavrias

Age: 16 years, 241 days

Charis Mavrias probably escaped your attention during his brief Premier League stint, making just four appearances for Sunderland in the 2013–14 campaign.

His English move came after featuring 70 times for Panathinaikos, having emerged from their youth system in 2010. Mavrias' abilities earned him Champions League action against Rubin Kazan in 2010, when he was merely 16 years and 241 days old.

9. Warren Zaïre-Emery

Age: 16 years, 231 days

Warren Zaïre-Emery is currently considered among the finest central midfielders globally, despite being in the early stages of his professional journey.

Given this reputation, it's hardly shocking that Paris Saint-Germain, the 2025 Champions League victors, deemed the French talent prepared for senior European competition at just 16 years and 231 days old.

His opponents that evening were Maccabi Haifa, and the outcome was predictably one-sided.

8. Francesco Camarda

Age: 16 years, 226 days

High expectations surround towering Italian striker Francesco Camarda, who has consistently found the net at youth international level.

A Milan native, Camarda initially pursued kickboxing before discovering his true calling in goalscoring. He netted twice on his UEFA Youth League debut versus Newcastle United—setting a record as Italy's youngest scorer in the competition—prompting AC Milan to quickly promote him to senior consideration.

Against Club Brugge, he earned his Champions League debut, entering as a substitute at the remarkable age of 16 years and 226 days.

7. Youri Tielemans

Age: 16 years, 148 days

Youri Tielemans became a consistent starter for Belgian powerhouse Anderlecht at 16, making his Champions League debut at that age somewhat expected.

What truly impressed was Tielemans' frequent dominance on the field at such a young age, with his passing ability and game control astonishing both spectators and opponents alike.

Though his career hasn't reached the peaks many predicted, participating in Europe's premier competition at barely 16 years and five months remains an indelible achievement.

6. Alen Halilovic

Age: 16 years, 128 days

High hopes once surrounded Alen Halilović, particularly following his Champions League appearance at merely 16 years and 128 days old representing Dinamo Zagreb.

Unfortunately, the Croatian's trajectory didn't meet expectations, as his Barcelona transfer ultimately led to obscurity.

5. Rayan Cherki

Age: 16 years, 102 days

Rayan Cherki is currently excelling in the Premier League following his Manchester City transfer in summer 2025, though his meteoric rise at Lyon began as a teenage sensation.

The attacking midfielder received his opportunity from manager Sylvinho when the French club faced Zenit St Petersburg in 2020, appearing as a substitute in a 1–1 stalemate.

4. Celestine Babayaro

Age: 16 years, 86 days

Celestine Babayaro is primarily remembered for his tenure with Premier League club Chelsea, during their quest to become one of England's dominant forces.

His Stamford Bridge career ended shortly before José Mourinho delivered championship glory to west London, yet he once held the distinction of being the Champions League's youngest participant.

In 1994, at just 16 years and 86 days old, Babayaro represented Anderlecht against FCSB.

3. Lamine Yamal

Age: 16 years, 68 days

Lamine Yamal holds numerous global records, though he ranks third among the Champions League's youngest ever participants. The Barcelona winger, who stands as the competition's second-youngest goalscorer, made his European debut against Royal Antwerp in 2023.

2. Youssoufa Moukoko

Age: 16 years, 18 days

Regrettably for Youssoufa Moukoko, the record he maintained since 2020—when he debuted for Borussia Dortmund versus Zenit St Petersburg—has been surpassed.

Previously considered destined for greatness while progressing through Dortmund's system, Moukoko hasn't fulfilled anticipated expectations. His Copenhagen move aimed to rediscover form and provide a foundation for his potential, though prospects of reaching world-class status appear to have diminished.

1. Max Dowman

Age: 15 years, 308 days

The Champions League's youngest participant record was shattered by Arsenal prospect Max Dowman, who became the competition's first 15-year-old player. The talented forward entered from the substitutes' bench during a 3–0 victory away to Slavia Prague, continuing his record-breaking streak at club level.

The Youngest Players in Champions League History