Impossible-Looking UCL Record Of Ex-Chelsea, Anderlecht Star Babayaro Broken After 26 Years

Published: December 08, 2020

The impossible-looking UEFA Champions League set by former Chelsea and Anderlecht left-back Celestine Babayaro has finally been broken after twenty six years, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The former Nigeria international was the youngest player to feature in the Champions League when he made his debut wearing the colours of Anderlecht against Steaua Bucharest on November 23, 1994, aged 16 years and 87 days.

Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko bettered the achievement at the third time of asking after coming off the bench in the 58th minute of the 2-1 win at Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night aged 16 years and 18 days.

The Cameroonian-born starlet was an unused substitute in previous games against Club Brugge and Lazio before today's meeting at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.

Moukoko would not have been able to break the record in the spring, when the Champions League round of 16 matches are scheduled to take place, but he has more than a year to surpass Barcelona's teenage sensation Ansu Fati as the youngest goalscorer in the competition.

Babayaro's still-standing Champions League record is not one he wants to be remembered for - being the youngest player to be sent off 37 minutes into his debut against Steaua Bucharest.

The Atlanta 1996 gold medalist appeared in 16 Champions League matches and another five in the qualifying rounds before hanging up his boots.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

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