On Tuesday night, a 13-year-old student made his debut for Northern Irish club Glenavon FC, becoming the UK’s youngest senior soccer player in history.
Christopher Atherton entered the game in the second half as Glenavon defeated Dollingstown 6-0 in the League Cup.
13 years and 329 days of age.
The previous record for youngest senior soccer player in the United Kingdom was set by Eamon Collins, who played for Blackpool at the age of 14 years and 321 days.
Glenavon remarked on Twitter, “Congratulations Christo!”
Atherton not only made his debut, but he also assisted on Glenavon’s sixth goal.
Glenavon added in a second tweet, “Not to mention, his first touch of the ball tonight was an assist!” “What a wonderful debut!”
Gary Hamilton, head coach of Glenavon, characterized Atherton as a “wonderful youngster” after the game.
Since seven or eight years ago, I’ve had the pleasure of watching him every other week, as stated by Hamilton. He is a pleasure to watch.
—Glenavon FC (@Glenavon FC)
September 13, 2022
While Atherton may be the youngest ever senior soccer player in the United Kingdom, he is not the youngest in the world.
According to Guinness World Records, Mauricio Baldivieso, a Bolivian who played for Aurora FC at age 12 years and 362 days in 1996, holds the record.
The coach brought Baldivieso on as a replacement during the second half of a match in La Paz as an early birthday surprise.