A Record-Breaking Debut
Aston Villa’s 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo has etched his name into European football history, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the UEFA Super Cup. In the 2026 final held at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on August 12, Madjo found the net in the 45th minute, volleying home a cross from John McGinn to equalize against Paris Saint-Germain.
At 17 years and 212 days old, Madjo surpassed the long-standing record held by Patrick Kluivert, who was 19 years and 220 days old when he scored in the competition. Despite his goal, Aston Villa ultimately fell 2-1 to the French champions, with Désiré Doué securing the win for PSG in the second half.
The Legal Battle for Eligibility
Madjo’s appearance in the Super Cup was far from guaranteed. After joining Aston Villa from French side Metz in January 2026 for a reported fee of £10 million, the striker was blocked from competitive registration by FIFA. The governing body cited regulations prohibiting international transfers for players under the age of 18.
Aston Villa challenged the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that Madjo’s British citizenship—he was born in London—exempted him from the standard international transfer restrictions applied to non-EU players. On August 4, 2026, the CAS ruled in favor of the club, granting the teenager immediate eligibility for competitive play. This landmark decision allowed manager Unai Emery to integrate the prospect into his squad just days before the high-stakes encounter in Salzburg.
A Multi-National Prospect
Madjo’s international future remains a subject of intrigue. Born in London to parents from Cameroon, and having spent his formative years in Luxembourg, he is eligible to represent three national teams. He previously appeared in three international friendlies for Luxembourg in 2025; however, because these were not competitive fixtures, he remained eligible for a switch. He has since committed to England’s youth setup, earning nine caps and scoring four goals for the Under-17 team.
Standing at 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches), Madjo’s physical profile and technical ability have drawn significant attention from scouts. Following a successful pre-season where he netted four goals, his performance against PSG suggests he will be a key figure for Unai Emery as Aston Villa navigates a demanding Premier League campaign following the departures of star players Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans.