Top 5 Youngest Football Players to Play the Game

Football has always been a sport of emotions. Whether it’s about sharing a new talk of the town moment, their favorite team, or their best football players, it all gets into the excitement off the field. An even crazier part of this sport is: fans traveling across different regions to watch their favorite teams or players play, and then talking about it like they live for it. 

Many players who have gone to perform at the global level had once dreamt of something in their childhood–a phase where most humans dream, but rarely all take action to make their name in their niche. At a young age, when most kids love playing video games with their buddies, these ‘rare talents’ take a different route and aim to shoot for the brightest star they possibly could. We will be delving into this piece to learn more about those kids who dreamt of playing their favorite sport and conquered at the global level. 

Eric Godpower Marshall

At just 10 years, when kids are less curious about any sport and more about their friends’ newly bought games, Eric Marshall made his name in the history books. At just 10 years and 11 months old, Eric made headlines by becoming the youngest known player to feature in a professional football match, for Liberian fourth-division side Gar'ou FC. His first appearance was against Haifia FC, where he played for 80 minutes, showing his passion-filled energy on the field.

Mauricio Baldivieso

At the age of just 12, Mauricio Baldivieso made his professional football debut for Club Aurora. Mauricio’s father and his team coach back then, Julio Baldivieso, helped a lot in shaping his skills and career during his tenure. In his debut match, he came as a late substitute, where he featured in the last 10 minutes of the match that Aurora lost 1-0 on their visit to La Paz FC, on the first date of the Clausura tournament. Following his historic debut, Baldivieso racked up many goals for his club before moving to different clubs, including Real Potosi in 2012, Nacional Potosi in 2013, Universitario de Sucre in 2015, Jorge Wilstermann in 2015-16, and San Jose in 2018.

Christopher Atherton

Christopher Atherton, at 13 years and 329 days, scripted his name in the history book by becoming the youngest player to feature in a senior match for Glenavon in the Irish League Cup in a 6-0 win over Dollingstown in 2022. Coming on as a substitute, he displayed his flawless assisting skills to help the club record their 6th goal in that match. After drawing some eyeballs for his performance, he was ready for another big task, this time in the English Premier League. In 2023, he was associated with the EPL team Chelsea, training and giving trials for them. In July 2025, the club officially confirmed Atherton’s move to the club. 

Souleymane Mamam

Souleymane Mamam was only 13 years old when he scripted history by becoming the youngest ever football player to play in a World Cup qualifier. He represented Tago in a 2001 match against Zambia. In 2003, he had signed a deal with the English Premier League (EPL) club Manchester United, but due to some work permit restrictions, he couldn’t feature in the tournament. He then spent four seasons on loan at Royal Antwerp. When his contract with United wasn’t renewed, Mamam signed permanently with Antwerp for the 2007-08 season.

Fredua Adu

Arguably one of the best young talents at the time, often regarded as the ‘Next Pele.’ Born in Ghana, he moved to the United States in 1997. Adu quickly gained fame with his passion and extraordinary on-field talent. In 2004, at just the age of 14, he signed a professional contract with D.C. United–making him the youngest American to sign a professional contract. Three months later, he became the youngest player in a major league match when he came on as a substitute in a game against the San Jose Earthquakes. At the age of 16 in 2006, Adu went on to make his international debut for the United States National Football Team and earned 17 caps for his country. He was also part of the US squads at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cups in 2009 and 2011.