10 youngest soccer players ever to play football professionally
Some of the youngest soccer players to play professionally include incredible talents such as Eric Godpower Marshall, Mauricio Baldivieso, Christopher Atherton, and Axel Kei. They have broken records by debuting as teenagers, making their stories unforgettable. Their early rise shows how passion and skill can fast-track a football career.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Record-breaking youngest soccer players in football history
- 1. Eric Godpower Marshall – 10 years 11 months old
- 2. Mauricio Baldivieso – 12 years 11 months old
- 3. Da'vian Kimbrough – 13 years 7 months old
- 4. Axel Kei – 13 years 9 months old
- 5. Christopher Atherton – 13 years 10 months old
- 6. Souleymane Mamam – 13 years 10 months old
- 7. Lukas Knecht – 14 years old
- 8. Aung Kyaw Tun – 14 years old
- 9. Maikah Dau – 14 years old
- 10. Cavan Sullivan – 14 years 5 months old
- Who is the youngest football player to play professionally?
- Which footballers made their professional debut at 14 years old?
- What's the youngest age for soccer?
- How old was Lamine Yamal when he joined Barcelona?
- Who is the youngest player in the Premier League?
Key takeaways
- Eric Godpower Marshall became the youngest professional footballer at just 10 years old when he debuted for Liberian club Gar'ou FC in 2021.
- Ethan Nwaneri made history in the Premier League by debuting for Arsenal at 15 years and 181 days old on 18 September 2022.
Record-breaking youngest soccer players in football history
Some of the most inspiring moments in football come from record-breaking youngest soccer players who defied age limits. These gifted youngsters stunned the world by stepping into professional football earlier than anyone imagined.
| Name | Professional debut age |
| Eric Godpower Marshall | 10 years 11 months old |
| Mauricio Baldivieso | 12 years 11 months old |
| Da'vian Kimbrough | 13 years 7 months old |
| Axel Kei | 13 years 9 months old |
| Christopher Atherton | 13 years 10 months old |
| Souleymane Mamam | 13 years 10 months old |
| Lukas Knecht | 14 years old |
| Aung Kyaw Tun | 14 years old |
| Maikah Dau | 14 years old |
| Cavan Sullivan | 14 years 5 months old |
1. Eric Godpower Marshall – 10 years 11 months old
Source: UGC
- Full name: Eric Godpower Marshall
- Date of birth: May 2010
- Age: 15 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: April 2021
- Debut football club: Football Club Gar’ou
At just 11 years old, Eric Godpower Marshall made his senior debut in Liberia’s Fourth Division for Football Club Gar’ou on March 8, 2021. Entering in the 90th minute and breaking the previous records held by Mauricio Baldivieso
In that same month, he played a pivotal role at the school level by scoring a goal in his debut in the Independent Bethlehem Baptist High School’s Old vs. New Students match and soon after became the youngest to compete in the Liberian Inter High School League, evidencing his prodigious early promise.
2. Mauricio Baldivieso – 12 years 11 months old
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Pedro Mauricio Baldivieso Ferrufino
- Date of birth: 22 July 1996
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: 19 July 2009
- Debut football club: Club Deportivo Aurora
In 2009, Mauricio Baldivieso made headlines when he debuted for Aurora in Bolivia at the age of 12. His father, Julio César Baldivieso, was the coach at the time and decided to give his son a chance.
Mauricio came on as a substitute in a top-flight league match, becoming the youngest soccer player to appear professionally. While his career didn’t reach global stardom, this record-breaking debut is still unmatched.
3. Da'vian Kimbrough – 13 years 7 months old
Source: UGC
- Full name: Da'vian Jaleel Kimbrough
- Date of birth: 18 February 2010
- Age: 15 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: 1 October 2023
- Debut football club: Sacramento Republic FC
Da’vian Kimbrough, born 18 August 2010 in Woodland, California, became the youngest professional soccer player in U.S. history when he signed with Sacramento Republic at just 13 years old in 2023. Known for his pace and physicality, he made his debut in the USL Championship against Las Vegas Lights.
Still early in his career, Kimbrough’s breakthrough reflects the growing emphasis on developing young talent in American soccer, making him a rising name to watch.
4. Axel Kei – 13 years 9 months old
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Havelange Beni De Dieu Kei Wonflonhi Jean-Désiré
- Date of birth: 30 December 2007
- Age: 17 years old (as of September 2025)
- Debut date: 8 October 2021
- Debut football club: Real Monarchs
Ivorian forward Axel Kei became the youngest athlete in American team sports to appear in a professional match when he played for Real Monarchs in the USL Championship at around 13 years old. On 14 January 2022, he signed an MLS contract with Real Salt Lake at 14 years and 15 days old, breaking Freddy Adu’s long-standing signing record.
5. Christopher Atherton – 13 years 10 months old
Source: UGC
- Full name: Christopher Atherton
- Date of birth: 19 October 2008
- Age: 16 years old (as of September 2025)
- Debut date: September 2022
- Debut football club: Glenavon Football Club
At 13 years and 329 days, Christopher Atherton made his UK senior-level debut for Glenavon in the League Cup, immediately contributing an assist and securing his place in history as the youngest debutant in British senior football.
In 2025, his potential was further recognised when he signed with Chelsea’s youth academy, signalling a promising future ahead.
6. Souleymane Mamam – 13 years 10 months old
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Souleymane Mamam
- Date of birth: 30 June 1987
- Age: 38 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: 6 May 2001
- Debut football club: Togo national team
Souleymane Mamam, born 20 June 1985 in Lomé, Togo, is remembered as one of the youngest players in football history, making his international debut at just 13 years old in a 2001 World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
He later joined Manchester United in 2003 but never played for the first team due to work permit issues, spending time on loan at Royal Antwerp and later with other European football clubs. Despite a modest career, his record-breaking debut remains historic.
7. Lukas Knecht – 14 years old
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lucas Paul Knecht
- Date of birth: 30 March 1993
- Age: 32 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: 1 April 2007
- Debut football club: Northern Mariana Islands national team
Lukas Knecht, born in 2008 in Liechtenstein, made headlines as one of the youngest goalkeepers to play in an official senior international match. At just 14 years old, he debuted for Liechtenstein’s underage national team setup, showcasing remarkable composure and talent for his age.
Though still developing, Knecht’s early experience at the international level highlights his potential to become a key figure for Liechtenstein football in the years ahead.
8. Aung Kyaw Tun – 14 years old
Source: UGC
- Full name: Aung Kyaw Tun
- Date of birth: 5 August 1986
- Age: 39 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: 6 November 2000
- Debut football club: Myanmar national team
Aung Kyaw Tun, born 18 May 1986 in Myanmar, made history in 2000 when he debuted for the Myanmar national team at just 14 years and 93 days old. His appearance came in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier, earning him recognition as one of the youngest international footballers ever.
Despite not achieving global fame, his record remains a proud milestone in Myanmar’s football history.
9. Maikah Dau – 14 years old
Source: UGC
- Full name: Maikah Dau
- Date of birth: 29 April 2009
- Age: 16 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: 2024
- Debut football club: Nasinu FC
Maikah Dau, born in 2006 in Australia, became one of the youngest players to debut in the Australian professional league system. Making his mark with Perth Glory, he impressed with his confidence and energy on the field at just 15 years old.
Dau is viewed as part of Australia’s next generation of footballers, with the potential to grow into a significant figure for both club and country.
10. Cavan Sullivan – 14 years 5 months old
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Cavan Sullivan
- Date of birth: 28 September 2009
- Age: 16 years old (as of 2025)
- Debut date: 24 March 2024
- Debut football club: Philadelphia Union II
Cavan Sullivan, born 29 September 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is regarded as one of the brightest young American prospects. At only 14, he signed a professional contract with Philadelphia Union in 2023 and drew global attention with reported interest from clubs like Manchester City.
His technical skill, vision, and maturity on the ball make him one of the most highly anticipated young players in world football.
Who is the youngest football player to play professionally?
The youngest professional football player is Eric Godpower Marshall, who debuted at just 10 years old in Liberia’s first division in 2021.
Which footballers made their professional debut at 14 years old?
Several young football players have made headlines at 14, including Lukas Knecht, Cavan Sullivan, Maikah Dau, and Aung Kyaw Tun, who debuted internationally for Myanmar.
What's the youngest age for soccer?
In organised professional football, the youngest recorded age for a debut is 10 years, though FIFA regulations generally allow professional contracts at 16 years old. Youth academies usually start training players as young as 6 years.
How old was Lamine Yamal when he joined Barcelona?
According to his interview with ESPN, he joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at seven years old, beginning a rapid rise through the youth ranks and making his senior debut at 15.
Who is the youngest player in the Premier League?
The youngest player in Premier League history is Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted for Arsenal at 15 years and 181 days old in September 2022.
The youngest soccer players ever to play football professionally have shown that talent knows no age. Their early debuts highlight both incredible potential and the challenges of starting careers so young. These remarkable stories continue to inspire future generations of footballers worldwide.
Legit.ng recently published an interesting article about the youngest NFL players to be drafted. The youngest NFL players to be drafted prove that raw talent and determination can fast-track athletes to the professional stage. These players entered the league at remarkably young ages, making history with their early debuts.
Despite the NFL’s intense competitiveness, young stars like Amobi Okoye, Tremaine Edmunds, and Elmer Angsman have made their mark. This article explores the remarkable talents of players who earned a spot in the league at an exceptionally young age.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
