By Martin Graham
Youths stole the show in the Champions League this week as six players under the age of 20 found the net, equaling the record for the most teenage goalscorers in a single round of the tournament.
While established young people like it from Barcelona Lamine Yamal i Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly continued to impress, a new wave of prodigies made their mark and performed on Europe’s biggest stage.
Chelsea’s young stars take center stage
Chelsea’s The 5-1 win over Ajax became a showcase for the depth and quality of their academy. The London club fielded ten players aged 21 and under and made history by becoming the first team to feature three teenage goalscorers in a Champions League game.
Marc Guiu opened the scoring, with the 19-year-old Spaniard showing his predatory instincts inside the box to give the Blues the lead, briefly becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer in the competition. His milestone lasted just half an hour earlier Estevao Willianmore than a year younger, he calmly converted a penalty.
Estevao, who has already played nine times for Brazil, has been widely praised for his composure and talent, with Wayne Rooney recently calling him a “special talent”. teenage companion jorrel hatowho also started against Ajax, has said that the only player who reminds him of Estevao’s ability is Barcelona’s Yamal.
Tyrique George he capped the defeat with Chelsea’s fifth goal, continuing their promotion after playing a major role in last season’s Europa League triumph. Meanwhile, Reggie Walsh, a deep lying midfielder who turned 17 earlier in the week, became the youngest player in the club’s history to feature in Europe’s top competition. Jamie GittensThe 21-year-old also set a new record by becoming the youngest Chelsea player to create five chances in a single Champions League game, surpassing Eden Hazard’s previous record.
Scandinavian promise: Dadason and Karl shine
Copenhagen’s Viktor Dadason produced a brilliant moment despite his side’s 4-2 defeat Borussia Dortmund. Aged 17 years and 113 days, the Iceland striker became the third-youngest goalscorer in modern Champions League history when he headed home in injury time. It was his first senior goal, just days after his national debut.
Outstanding for his physical presence and aerial power, Dadason has represented Iceland at youth level and looks set to become a key figure for both club and country in the coming years.
Another teenager who drew attention was Bayern Munich Lennart Karl. In his first senior outing, the 17-year-old attacking midfielder opened the scoring just five minutes into the 4-0 win over Club Brugge, dancing past defenders before unleashing a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner.
Karl’s fearless performance mirrored the numbers he posted last season – 27 goals and 11 assists in 18 games for Bayern’s under-17s, cementing his reputation as one of Germany’s most exciting young prospects.
The next generation of Barcelona takes a step forward
Barcelona’s dominance over Olympiacos featured two more rising stars from their youth set-up. Masia’s 17-year-old midfielder Dro Fernandez marked his growing reputation by assisting Fermà López in the 6-1 victory. Spinning smoothly in midfield before driving forward, he delivered a pinpoint ball for Lopez to score.
Known for his composure and quick decision-making, Fernández has drawn comparisons from academy coaches to Andrés Iniesta and Thiago Alcántara for his technical precision and attacking instincts.
Roony BardghjiBarcelona’s 19-year-old Swedish winger also provided an assist for Lopez’s hat-trick goal. Showing flair and creativity, Bardghji executed a slick volley to beat his marker before curling a sharp cross into the box.
Born in Kuwait to Syrian parents and raised in Sweden, Bardghji has long been considered one of Scandinavia’s most gifted wingers. He previously scored a decisive winner against Manchester United in the 2023 group stage, a goal that helped Copenhagen reach the knockout stages and marked their arrival on the European stage.
