South Africa’s Mofokeng makes Europa League history with opening goal of 2026/27 league phase

South Africa international Relebohile Mofokeng has written his name into the history books after scoring the opening goal of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League phase.

The 21-year-old winger, who plays for Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, found the back of the net in the 18th minute of the tournament’s opening fixture against Viktoria Plzen at the Doosan Arena.

Mofokeng’s composed finish gave Union Saint-Gilloise the lead away from home and ensured that the South African became the first player to score in the new Europa League campaign.

The goal was particularly significant for the youngster as it was also his first goal in the main draw of a European club competition.

Mofokeng showed excellent composure inside the penalty area, reacting quickly to a positional lapse in the Viktoria Plzen defence before calmly finishing the opportunity to silence the home crowd.

The landmark moment represents another major step in what has been a remarkably rapid rise for the South African winger.

Mofokeng made his senior debut for Orlando Pirates as a teenager and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in South African football.

His performances for the Soweto giants earned him widespread recognition before he made the move to European football with Union Saint-Gilloise.

The technically gifted and pacey winger has adapted quickly to the demands of the Belgian game, establishing himself as an important player for Union while also becoming a regular member of the South Africa national team.

His rise to international football has been equally impressive. Mofokeng earned his first senior cap for Bafana Bafana before turning 20, underlining the faith placed in him at a remarkably young age.

Now 21, he has added another significant milestone to his rapidly developing career by becoming the first scorer of the 2026/27 Europa League league phase.

Union Saint-Gilloise, who have enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of Belgian football and returned to the European stage, could hardly have asked for a better start to their continental campaign.

Their youngest star delivered when it mattered most, producing a historic moment on the road against Viktoria Plzen.

For Mofokeng, the goal is another indication of his growing importance at both club and international level, while his rapid development is continuing to attract attention beyond South Africa and Belgium.