Top 10 Youngest Players in Champions League Final History

Paris Saint-Germain delivered a dominant performance against Inter Milan to secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG not only claimed Europe's most prestigious club trophy but also completed a historic treble — the first in the club’s history — marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.

The UEFA Champions League is widely regarded as the pinnacle of European club football. It brings together the continent’s best teams in a battle for the coveted trophy. Spanish giants Real Madrid hold the record with an incredible 15 UCL titles to their name.

With the best teams come the best players, all performing under the intense spotlight of the world's biggest stage. The Champions League final is always high-stakes, filled with pressure and emotion. It’s also a platform where young talents can shine — sometimes making surprise appearances in the final and turning into the stars of the night with their performances.

Top 10 youngest players to feature in Champions League final

10. Carlos Alberto (Porto, 2004) (19 years and 67 days)

At just 19 years old, Carlos Alberto made a memorable debut in the UEFA Champions League final during the 2003–04 season. The young Brazilian opened the scoring for FC Porto, becoming one of the youngest players ever to score in a Champions League final. His goal set the tone for a dominant performance, as Porto went on to secure a convincing 3–0 victory over AS Monaco.

9. Clarence Seedorf (Ajax, 1995) (19 years and 53 days)

Clarence Seedorf, a product of the famed Ajax Youth Academy, made his UEFA Champions League final debut against AC Milan at just 19 years of age. Starting for the Dutch side, Seedorf played a pivotal role in the midfield, contributing to the team's attacking efforts with his vision and creativity. He was eventually substituted in the 53rd minute, but not before leaving his mark on one of European football's biggest stages.

8. Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG, 2025) (19 years and 23 days)

Warren Zaïre-Emery made his UEFA Champions League final debut at just 19 years and 23 days old, coming on as a substitute for Paris Saint-Germain in the 84th minute. Just minutes later, his teammate Senny Mayulu added another goal, sealing a dominant 5–0 victory over Inter Milan and capping off a historic night for PSG.

7. Senny Mayulu (PSG, 2025) (19 years and 14 days)

Senny Mayulu made a memorable UEFA Champions League debut in the 2024–25 final against Inter Milan. Paris Saint-Germain delivered a dominant performance, cruising to a 5–0 victory to secure their first-ever Champions League title. Capping off the historic night, the 19-year-old Mayulu — just 19 years and 14 days old — scored the final goal, etching his name into club history.

6. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, 2006) (19 years and 13 days)

At just 19 years and 13 days old, Cesc Fàbregas made his debut in a UEFA Champions League final in 2006, when Arsenal faced Barcelona. Fàbregas started for the Gunners, but despite their efforts, Barcelona delivered a stronger performance and ultimately claimed victory.

5. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, 2000) (19 years and 4 days)

Iker Casillas began his professional football journey at the famed Real Madrid youth academy. During the 1999–2000 season, he made his UEFA Champions League debut, becoming the youngest goalkeeper ever to appear in the competition at the time.

Later that season, Casillas was handed a starting spot in the Champions League final against Valencia in May 2000. At just 19 years old, he delivered a composed performance as Real Madrid triumphed 3–0, securing their eighth European title.

4. Patrick Kluivert (Ajax, 1995) (18 years and 327 days)

Patrick Kluivert was a key figure in Ajax’s legendary golden generation of the 1990s. In the 1994–95 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan, the young Dutch striker came off the bench in the 85th minute and etched his name into history by scoring the decisive goal. At just 18 years, 10 months, and 23 days old, Kluivert became the youngest player ever to score in a Champions League final — a record-setting moment that marked the beginning of a remarkable career.

3. Kiki Musampa (Ajax, 1996) (18 years and 307 days)

Kiki Musampa was part of the Ajax squad that won the UEFA Champions League in the 1994–95 season under manager Louis van Gaal. Although he didn't play in that final, he made his debut in the Champions League final the following year, when Ajax faced Juventus.

At just 18 years and 307 days old, Musampa became the youngest player ever to lose a Champions League final.

2. Nwankwo Kanu (Ajax, 1995) (18 years and 296 days)

At just 18 years old, Nwankwo Kanu made his UEFA Champions League debut in the 1995 final for Ajax. Coming on as a substitute, he helped the Dutch side secure a 1-0 victory over AC Milan, earning Ajax their fourth European title. The following year, Ajax once again reached the final but were narrowly defeated by Serie A giants Juventus.

1. Kingsley Coman (Juventus, 2015) (18 years and 24 days)

Kingsley Coman made his UEFA Champions League final debut in the 2014-15 season, representing Juventus. He was brought on as a substitute in the closing moments of the match. Despite his presence, the Bianconeri were defeated 3-1 by Barcelona. At just 18 years and 24 days old, Coman became one of the youngest players to feature in a Champions League final.

Cover Credits - Transfermarkt