The youngest scorer in Champions League history on a first start
In short: Rico Lewis didn't just break the glass ceiling for Manchester City; he shattered a continental record. At just 17 years and 346 days old, he became the youngest player ever to score in a Champions League match while starting for the first time.
Rico Lewis's ascent at Manchester City is a study in rapid progression. Joining the academy at age eight, Lewis moved into the under-18 team by 15. His leadership was recognized early when he captained that side during the 2021–22 season, a campaign that culminated in a league title. This foundation prepared him for a high-pressure transition to the first team, where he made his Premier League debut on August 13, 2022, against AFC Bournemouth.
The defining moment of his early career occurred on November 2, 2022, in a Champions League match against Sevilla. After being handed his first start, Lewis scored the equalizer in a 3–1 comeback victory. This feat established him as the youngest scorer on a first start in the competition's history. However, the milestone was met with adversity; Lewis received racist abuse from Sevilla fans during the match, highlighting the personal challenges faced by young players on the international stage.
Lewis has since become a versatile asset for both club and country. He played a pivotal role in City's 2022–23 domestic double and their historic first Champions League title in June 2023. By December 2023, he featured in the FIFA Club World Cup final, helping City secure their first world title. His international trajectory has been equally swift; after debuting for England's under-19s in 2022, he earned a senior call-up in late 2023 and made his full England debut in November 2023, playing the full 90 minutes in a draw against North Macedonia.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rico Lewis
- Also: Wikidata — Rico Lewis · CC0
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