Over the years, managers in the Premier League have rewarded young talents with an opportunity to showcase their talents a the top level.
While some have gone to make good careers after these opportunities, the demands and pressure that are accustomed to the English top-flight have proven to be too much for others.
From Federico Macheda with Man United to Raheem Sterling now with Man City, here is the list of the ten youngest goalscorers in Premier League history.
- 10. Mikael Forssell – 17 years and 342 days
The Finland international joined Chelsea in the summer of 1998 from HJK Helsinki on a free transfer as a 17-year-old. His career started on a brilliant note when he scored on only his second first-team appearance in the club’s 4-2 FA Cup victory over Oxford United.
Just three weeks later, the striker had his first Premier League goal in a 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest. But his star was to dim after the arrival of senior players including Chris Sutton, Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, and Eidur Gudjohnsen. He spent much of his six-year stint with Chelsea on loan spells at Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, and in Germany.
Finland’s second-highest all-time scorer moved to Birmingham on a permanent basis in 2005 before calling time on his career in 2017. He currently works in the youth set-up at the club where his football journey started – HJK Helsinki.
- 9. Raheem Sterling – 17 years and 317 days
Now a star in the Premier League with Manchester City, Sterling who is Liverpool’s second-youngest debutant was going to be a star who scored his maiden Premier League goal in a 1-0 triumph over Reading at Anfield in October 2012.
He was part of the Brendan Rodgers side that almost clinched the league title in the 2013/14 season where he formed a deadly partnership with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. They scored the most goals by a Premier League runner-up (101).
- 8. Daniel Jebbison – 17 years and 309 days
The forward scored for Sheffield United at Goodison Park last season in what was one of the few memorable moments in the club’s relegation campaign.
Despite signing a new deal with the Blades last May, the 18-year old seems to be a forgotten man and was loaned to Burton Albion earlier this season where he has failed to cement a starting place under Paul Heckingbottom since his January recall.
- 7. Federico Macheda – 17 years and 226 days
Currently, in Greece for Panathinaikos, the 30-year-old lit up the Premier League with Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
In April 2019, United needed a goal to remain as favorites in a title race with arch-rivals Liverpool. On his debut, Macheda bagged the winner against Aston Villa in the latter stages as his club went on to lift the league crown that season.
- 6. Andy Turner – 17 years and 166 days
In the Premier League’s inaugural season, Turner scored in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Everton in September 1992. The Spurs academy product appeared 21 times for the club that term but injuries had their toll on Turner thereafter. At 46, Turner is now Head of Coaching at semi-professional Welsh team Cefn Druids.
- 5. Michael Owen – 17 years and 144 days
It took the one-time Ballon d’Or winner just 15 minutes to score from the bench on his debut for Roy Evans’ Liverpool side against Wimbledon in 1996.
He went on to score 157 more times on Merseyside before spells with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United and also bagged 40 goals for England. He is currently a Tv pundit.
- 4. Cesc Fabregas – 17 years and 114 days
Currently, with Monaco, the Spaniard has won every trophy there is to win. While much has been said about his career, it was at Arsenal where he introduced himself properly to the world. Bossing the midfield in Arsene Wenger’s great Arsenal side in the early 2000s, Fabregas notched his first Gunners goal in a 3-0 win versus Blackburn Rovers in 2004.
- 3. Wayne Rooney – 16 years and 360 days
Rooney became the latest player to the indicted to the Premier League Hall of Fame and it’s hard not to see why. His first goal in the English top-flight was a stunner that came against Arsenal when he was in the books of Everton.
Wayne Rooney’s first Premier League goal will forever be iconic ☄️
(via @Everton)pic.twitter.com/Hu73dOHM64
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 23, 2022
He is currently the manager of Derby County who has given their all to stay in the league despite suffering points deduction earlier in the season.
2. James Milner – 16 years and 356 days
Still going strong with Liverpool, Milner scored in Leeds’ 2-1 triumph over Sunderland on Boxing Day, 2002. The veteran midfielder is approaching 600 Premier League appearances after spells with Aston Villa and Man City and at 36, Jurgen Klopp still thinks he has a lot to give before he can call it a day.
- 1. James Vaughan – 16 years and 270 days
Tipped to replace Rooney at Everton, Vaughan scored on his Premier League debut for Everton against Crystal Palace in 2005. Unfortunately, the striker had a contrasting career path to the England great and retired at Tranmere Rovers last season. He is now the Sporting Director at the League Two club.
