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Arsenal youngster Luis Munoz has become the youngest player ever to feature in the UEFA Youth League.
The 13-year-old made his debut on Wednesday afternoon, coming off the bench for Arsenal’s Under-19 side in their 4-2 victory over Bayern Munich at Meadow Park.
At 13 years and 343 days, the midfielder surpasses the previous record held by Liam Payas, who appeared for Lincoln Red Imps last year at 14 years and 93 days.
Munoz is no stranger to playing above his age group. He was called up to the England Under-15 squad in September and earlier this month featured for Arsenal’s Under-16 team, who were crowned Premier League National Champions.
He entered the match against Bayern with five minutes of normal time remaining, replacing goalscorer Kyran Thompson and finishing the game in a forward role.
Munoz is considered one of Arsenal’s most highly rated prospects, and he wasn’t the only youngster to make his mark.
Arsenal youngster Luis Munoz has become the youngest ever player to feature in the UEFA Youth League at the age of 13 - breaking the previous record held by 14-year-old Liam Payas
Munoz replaced goalscorer Kyran Thompson with five minutes of normal time remaining
Munoz has also played for Arsenal’s Under-16s this season, and was part of the squad that won the Premier League Under-16 National Finals against Aston Villa earlier this month
Fifteen-year-old Emerson Nwaneri - whose older brother Ethan plays for Arsenal’s senior team - also came off the bench to make his debut. A slightly different style of player to his brother, Emerson Nwaneri can play in midfield and at right-back.
For this cameo, he played in midfield to help Arsenal see out the victory amid late Bayern pressure.
Bayern had opened the scoring but Arsenal responded quickly, with Max Dowman reacting fastest in the box to equalise.
The visitors came close to retaking the lead just before half-time, but Jack Porter produced a superb save to deny David Daiber from the penalty spot.
After the break, Arsenal took control. Kyran Thompson fired the hosts ahead before Ceadach O'Neill added a third to cap a dominant spell.
Although Ljubo Puljic pulled one back late on for Bayern, Dowman sealed the victory with a brilliant solo run and finish deep into added time.
The result marks Arsenal’s first win in this season’s Youth League and keeps them in contention for a place in the knockout stages going into the final round. Next up for Arsenal is Club Brugge on December 10.
