The UEFA Champions League is synonymous with magical nights, legendary goals, and unforgettable records. Yet one mark, by nature, has become untouchable: the title of the youngest debutant in the history of the competition.

Even though Lamine Yamal burst onto the European stage in the 2023/24 season as one of football’s brightest prodigies, this record was already out of reach — for him and for any future star.

Who Is the Youngest Player Ever to Debut in the Champions League?

That honor belongs to Youssoufa Moukoko, who made his debut for Borussia Dortmund at just 16 years and 18 days old in a 2-1 victory over Zenit on December 8, 2020.

The German forward, who came through the ranks at St. Pauli before joining Dortmund in 2016, shattered a record previously held by Céléstine Babayaro, who debuted with Anderlecht in 1994 at 16 years and 86 days.