Ranking the Youngest Goal Scorers in Champions League History
The UEFA Champions League has always been a stage where young talents announce themselves to the world, delivering moments of brilliance that defy their age. Scoring in Europe’s elite competition at just 17 years old is a remarkable achievement, and only a select few have managed to do so.
We have taken a look at the youngest goal scorers in Champions League history, ranking them from the oldest to the absolute youngest to ever find the back of the net.
20. Jamal Musiala – 17 years, 363 days
Jamal Musiala became one of the youngest goal scorers in Champions League history when he netted for Bayern Munich against Lazio on February 23, 2021. The talented midfielder showcased his composure and technical ability at an incredibly young age, marking the start of his European goal-scoring journey.
19. Roony Bardghji – 17 years, 358 days
Roony Bardghji made history for FC Copenhagen by scoring his first Champions League goal against Galatasaray on November 8, 2023. The Swedish wonderkid demonstrated his immense potential with a crucial strike, solidifying his status as one of the top young prospects in European football.
18. Karim Benzema – 17 years, 352 days
Before becoming a Champions League legend, Karim Benzema introduced himself to the competition by scoring for Lyon against Rosenborg on December 6, 2005. His early goal was just a glimpse of the prolific career that would follow in European football.
17. Rico Lewis – 17 years, 346 days
Manchester City’s Rico Lewis scored his first Champions League goal on November 2, 2022, against Sevilla. The young right-back became an overnight sensation, proving his attacking instincts and ability to impact the game from the defensive line.
16. Marc Guiu – 17 years, 343 days
Marc Guiu made an instant impact for Barcelona by scoring against Royal Antwerp on December 13, 2023. The young striker capitalized on his opportunity, showing his goal-scoring instincts in one of the biggest competitions in club football.
15. Pedri – 17 years, 330 days
Pedri opened his Champions League account on October 20, 2020, for Barcelona against Ferencváros. The midfield maestro’s early goal was a sign of things to come, as he quickly became a key figure in the Catalan club’s future.
14. Ethan Nwaneri – 17 years, 318 days
Ethan Nwaneri made history for Arsenal by scoring against PSV Eindhoven on January 29, 2025. His goal reinforced his status as a record-breaking young talent with the potential to become a Premier League and European star.
13. Aaron Ramsey – 17 years, 300 days
Aaron Ramsey found the back of the net for Arsenal in a Champions League match against Fenerbahçe on October 21, 2008. His early European success was a preview of the midfielder’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
12. Jude Bellingham – 17 years, 289 days
Jude Bellingham became one of the youngest scorers in Champions League history with a goal for Borussia Dortmund against Manchester City on April 14, 2021. His maturity and technical brilliance at such a young age set him apart from his peers.
11. Warren Zaïre-Emery – 17 years, 280 days
Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery scored his first Champions League goal on December 13, 2023, against Borussia Dortmund. The French prodigy displayed his talent and ability to perform on the biggest European stage.
10. Breel Embolo – 17 years, 263 days
Breel Embolo made an early impact in the Champions League by scoring for FC Basel against Ludogorets Razgrad on November 4, 2014. His goal signaled the emergence of a physically dominant and skillful forward.
9. Martin Klein – 17 years, 240 days
Martin Klein scored his first Champions League goal for Sparta Prague against Panathinaikos on February 27, 2002. The young defender made an unexpected impact, proving that even defensive players can leave their mark at a young age.
8. Cesc Fàbregas – 17 years, 218 days
Cesc Fàbregas introduced himself to European football with a goal for Arsenal against Rosenborg on December 7, 2004. The Spanish playmaker’s intelligence and composure in front of goal were evident from the start of his career.
7. Bojan Krkić – 17 years, 217 days
Bojan Krkić found the net for Barcelona in a Champions League quarter-final against Schalke 04 on April 1, 2008. His goal made him one of the youngest scorers in the competition’s history, living up to the high expectations set for him.
6. Mateo Kovačić – 17 years, 215 days
Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovačić scored his first Champions League goal for Dinamo Zagreb against Lyon on December 7, 2011. His performance hinted at the technical skill and composure that would define his career.
5. Peter Ofori-Quaye – 17 years, 194 days
Peter Ofori-Quaye set the record as the youngest Champions League scorer for many years when he netted for Olympiakos against Rosenborg on October 1, 1997. The Ghanaian forward’s achievement stood as a landmark for young players in Europe.
4. Antonio Nusa – 17 years, 149 days
Antonio Nusa made history for Club Brugge by scoring against FC Porto on September 13, 2022. The Norwegian forward showcased his talent, becoming one of the most exciting young prospects in the tournament.
3. George Ilenikhena – 17 years, 119 days
George Ilenikhena burst onto the Champions League scene with a goal for Royal Antwerp against Shakhtar Donetsk on December 13, 2023. His ability to perform under pressure highlighted his immense potential.
2. Lamine Yamal – 17 years, 68 days
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal became one of the youngest scorers in the competition’s history when he netted against AS Monaco on September 19, 2024. His goal cemented his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
1. Ansu Fati – 17 years, 40 days
Ansu Fati became the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history when he scored for Barcelona against Inter Milan on December 10, 2019. His record-breaking goal at such a young age solidified his place as a rising star in world football.
