By Martin Graham
Francesco Camarda He’s been a whispered name in Italian football circles for years, and now, at just 17 years old, his impact is becoming impossible to ignore. The striker, currently loaned to Lecce from AC Milanscored his first Serie A goal in September against bologna. At 17 years, six months and 18 days, he became the youngest player in the club’s history to find the net, adding another milestone to an already extraordinary journey.
His senior debut came much earlier. On 25 November 2023, with Stefano Pioli, Camarda entered a league match against Fiorentina. As he was still 15 years old, Milan had to obtain a special exemption from the Italian football authorities, as league rules normally prevent players under the age of 16 from appearing in the top division. That appearance made him the youngest debutant in Milan’s history, surpassing a record once held by Paolo Maldini.
The following campaign under Paulo Fonseca brought European experience. He faced Club Brugge in the Champions League, where he saw a goal disallowed by VAR, but still set records as the youngest player from both Milan and Italy to feature in the competition. Internationally, he also announced himself in style, converting a Panenka penalty against Sweden to become Italy’s Under-21s’ youngest goalscorer.
A forward with instinct beyond his years
Camarda’s rise has been defined not only by numbers, but also by his rare poise in front of goal. Coaches have consistently highlighted his accuracy and mentality in the penalty area. Italy Under-17 coach Massimiliano Favo, who guided the team to the 2024 European title with Camarda leading the line, praised his ability to find space and finish with ruthless efficiency.
During that tournament, despite being younger than many of his teammates, he scored four goals, including a decisive brace in the final against Portugal and the winning penalty in a quarter-final shootout against England. His composure under pressure was a key factor in Italy’s success, earning him both the trophy and the tournament’s top individual award.
Favo also noted that while his link game may still look raw, his instincts in the box are unmatched for someone his age. Those sentiments have been echoed by former Milan academy boss Angelo Carbone, who first saw him at a youth trial and immediately recognized his intelligence, body positioning and natural movement.
From a child’s message to Zlatan to a future in Milan red
Camarda’s history has already produced iconic moments off the pitch. After his first La Liga goal, Zlatan Ibrahimović shared a message the youngster had sent him in 2019, when he was just ten years old, introducing himself as “a Milan striker”. This mix of ambition and self-confidence has accompanied his development ever since.
Despite the growing spotlight, the teenager remains composed. Speaking ahead of the Sweden game, he stressed that he is focusing on the day-to-day work rather than lofty predictions. His commitment is visible both in his game and in his personal life: his parents moved to Lecce to support him, and he has marked his link with Milan by tattooing the Curva Sud on his right arm.
Protected from rivals, prepared for the future
Milan have carefully managed their exposure, aware of the growing interest from Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester Unitedi Manchester City. The club secured his long-term future with a contract until 2028.
A story from the training ground illustrates how seriously the club takes its development. When Camarda, then 16, scored against Fikayo Tomori in a youth friendly against the first team, Paolo Maldini called for the Milan Canal cameras to be turned off. At the time, the striker had yet to sign a deal, and Maldini wanted to avoid alerting foreign scouts.
Those around him are convinced of his potential, although they ask for patience. Carbone believes he has all the necessary attributes to become a major figure in Italian football, while Favo predicts he will reach the highest level in the coming years, provided his growth continues steadily.
A future written in the grass
Already scorer of more than 500 goals in grassroots football, Camarda has combined natural gifts with remarkable maturity. His early impact for Italy’s Under-21 team, including a brace against Armenia on his second outing, has only heightened the anticipation.
While Inter Francesco Pio Esposito has received praise for his Italy senior debut, it is Camarda, three years his junior, who could define the next era of Azzurri strikers. For now, fans of Milan and Italy can only watch closely, aware that a new chapter in Italian football may begin.
