Babayaro Remains Youngest Player Sent Off in UEFA Champions League
Célestine Babayaro’s debut for Anderlecht against Steaua București in November 1994 still holds a unique place in Champions League history.
At just 16 years and 86 days old, the Nigerian left-back became, at the time, the youngest player ever to feature in the competition.
His landmark appearance also carried an unwanted distinction, as he was sent off only 37 minutes into the game, making him the youngest player to receive a red card in the tournament.
Babayaro’s name continues to appear among the seven youngest debutants in Champions League history.
The list is now led by Arsenal’s Max Dowman, who made history in November 2025 by becoming the first 15-year-old to play in the competition, coming on against Slavia Praha at just 15 years and 308 days.
Other prodigies include Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, who debuted at 16 years and 18 days in 2020, Bayern Munich’s Filip Pavic at 16 years and 58 days in 2026, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal at 16 years and 68 days in 2023, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki at 16 years and 102 days in 2019, and Arsenal’s Marli Salmon at 16 years and 103 days in 2025.
