On January 20, 1985, Paolo Cesare Maldini made his first-team debut for AC Milan at the age of 16, coming on as a sub against Udinese. He spent his entire career – 25 seasons – at the Serie A giants before hanging up his boots in 2009 at the age of 41 as a legend of the world game. Watch the documentary Paolo Maldini – Football’s Greatest.
October 20, 1976, Diego Armando Maradona Franco makes his professional début with Argentinos Juniors, ten days before his sixteenth birthday. In 167 appearances, he scored 115 goals before a £1m transfer to Boca Juniors in 1981.
Barcelona’s new signing Neymar has made his long-awaited début coming on as a 78th minute substitute in Poland. The Brazilian was introduced late on and was met with some hefty challenges from the locals Lechia Gdansk. Meanwhile Lionel Messi was up to his old tricks in the 2-2 friendly draw at the PGE Arena.
The latest wonder-kid making waves in South America is Benjamin Inostroza. The 15-year-old scored on his début in Chile while in Brazil, Neymar grabbed a belter but not before his 16-year-old teammate scored Santos’ first. Any chance these kids have Irish blood?