MILAN — Young AC Milan star Francesco Camarda believed he had made history by becoming the youngest goal-scorer in Champions League history. However, his joyful moment was cut short due to the intervention of VAR.
The 16-year-old celebrated exuberantly after heading in a cross from Tijjani Reijnders late in the match against Club Brugge on Tuesday. Camarda, visibly elated, took off his jersey and rejoiced in front of the Milan fans, dramatically cupping his hands to his ears before his teammates lifted him onto their shoulders. In the stands, his mother and girlfriend were seen shedding tears of joy.
Unfortunately for Camarda, the goal was disallowed after VAR reviewed the play and determined there was an offside. “It was emotional, I think the best feeling of my life, but then the VAR played a trick on me,” he said following the match. “I’m really disappointed, but these things happen, especially in modern soccer.”
Had the goal counted, Camarda would have set a new record as the youngest player to score in the Champions League at 16 years and 226 days. The current record is held by Ansu Fati, who was 17 years and 40 days old when he scored for Barcelona against Inter Milan back in 2019. Instead, Camarda claimed another noteworthy milestone: becoming the youngest Italian to debut in the competition when he entered the game in the 75th minute, much to the delight of the San Siro crowd, who chanted his name.
“The record gives me a lot of pride, honestly, but now it pushes me to give more to improve and ensure that these nights happen more often,” Camarda reflected, calling it “absolutely” the best night of his young career. After the match, which Milan won 3-1, he shared an emotional embrace with his father on the field.
Regarded as one of Italy’s most promising talents, Camarda already holds the record for the youngest player in Serie A history, set when he made his debut against Fiorentina last season at just 15 years old. He has only had one other appearance for Milan prior to this match, demonstrating that he is a rising star to watch in the world of football.