Brian Madjo makes European history as Aston Villa’s youngest starting finalist

Brian Madjo set a new age record in the European Super Cup on Wednesday after starting for Aston Villa against Paris Saint-Germain at the age of 17 years and 212 days.

The Franco-Cameroonian forward was named in Unai Emery’s starting line-up for the fixture, making him the youngest player to start a European Super Cup final since Opta’s records began in 2006.

Madjo’s selection also saw him make history in the wider context of European finals. Statistics reported by Alexis “Mister Chip” show that no younger player had previously started a European final.

His achievement is based on the fact that he began the match, rather than simply appearing in it. Two players younger than Madjo had already featured in a European final, but both came on as substitutes.

Ronald de Boer was 17 years and 193 days old when he played in the 1987 European Super Cup. Ibrahim Mbaye was 17 years and 201 days old when he appeared in the 2025 edition.

Neither player started those matches, however. Madjo was on the pitch from kick-off for Aston Villa’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain, giving him the distinction of becoming the youngest player to start a European final.

The record therefore separates Madjo’s achievement from those of de Boer and Mbaye. While the two younger players had previously taken part in a European Super Cup final, their appearances began during the game. Madjo’s place in Emery’s starting XI made him the youngest player to be selected from the outset.

The milestone came in one of European football’s major showpiece matches, with Aston Villa facing Paris Saint-Germain. Madjo’s inclusion in the Villa line-up provided the defining statistical storyline before the match, as the teenager entered the record books through his starting role.

At 17 years and 212 days, he surpassed the previous benchmark for the youngest starting player in a European final recorded by Opta. His appearance also ensured that his name would be added to the history of the European Super Cup, regardless of the distinction already held by the younger players who had appeared as substitutes.

Madjo’s record was confirmed through the combination of his age, his starting position and the date of the competition. The 17-year-old became the youngest player to begin a European Super Cup final since Opta began compiling the relevant statistics in 2006, while also setting the same landmark across European finals more broadly.