Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri Becomes Third-Youngest Scorer in Champions League Knockout History
Arsenal’s teenage sensation, Ethan Nwaneri, made history on Wednesday night by becoming the third-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout match. The 17-year-old netted as the Gunners cruised to a commanding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in their last-16 encounter.
Nwaneri, an academy graduate, fired home Arsenal’s second goal of the night with a first-time finish from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cross, marking his eighth goal in what has been a breakout season under Mikel Arteta.
At 17 years and 348 days, Nwaneri now ranks behind only Bojan Krkic (17 years, 217 days) and Jude Bellingham (17 years, 289 days) as the youngest players to score in a Champions League knockout fixture. He also surpasses Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, who found the net at 17 years and 363 days.
His inclusion in Arsenal’s starting lineup saw him join an elite group of English players to start a Champions League knockout game before turning 18, alongside Bellingham and Phil Foden.
In a historic moment, Nwaneri’s goal—assisted by fellow Hale End graduate Lewis-Skelly—marked the first time two English teenagers had combined for a goal in Champions League history.
With key players sidelined due to injuries, Nwaneri has stepped up for Arsenal, proving to be a vital asset in their attacking lineup. The dominant win puts the Gunners in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals, where they could face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
Captain Martin Odegaard praised the club’s young talents, highlighting their growing influence on the team’s European campaign.
