Monaco's Lagos-born forward George Ilenikhena has made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition, surpassing a record previously held by former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu, UEFA has officially informed. 

The milestone was achieved at the age of 19 years and 157 days, eclipsing Kanu’s long-standing mark of 19 years and 260 days. 

The achievement places Ilenikhena among the youngest players to reach the landmark in Europe’s elite club tournament.

Ilenikhena was born on 16 August 2006 and relocated to France at the age of three. 

He progressed through the French youth football system before beginning his professional career with Amiens SC. 

His performances at youth level and in Ligue 2 attracted attention, leading to a move to Royal Antwerp in 2023.

While at Antwerp, Ilenikhena made his UEFA Champions League debut and scored a notable 92nd-minute winning goal against FC Barcelona. 

The goal came during his teenage years and marked one of his earliest major moments on the European stage.

In July 2024, the forward completed a transfer to AS Monaco. Since joining the Ligue 1 club, he has continued to feature in both domestic and European competitions. 

During this period, he also became Monaco’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League, breaking a club record previously held by Kylian Mbappé.

The record surpassed by Ilenikhena was set by Nwankwo Kanu during his early career with Ajax in the mid-1990s. 

Kanu went on to enjoy a distinguished career, including winning the UEFA Champions League, and his record for the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition remained intact for several decades.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: asmonaco.com