Who is Livano Comenencia? Youngster who scored Curacao’s first FIFA World Cup goal

Comenencia’s strike drew the Blue Wave level against Germany in their World Cup debut.

Curacao had a debut to remember, refusing to bow down to mighty Germany during their Group E clash at AT&T Stadium. Despite conceding early to a rocket strike from Felix Nmecha, the Blue Wave stunned the footballing world by drawing level, courtesy of a strike from Livano Comenencia.

The Zurich right-back, considered one of the most exciting young prospects in Curacao football, scored after a messy bit of play in front of the German penalty area. After some pressure from the minnows, Jurgen Locadia’s shot was blocked. The loose ball fell to Comenencia, whose shot took a deflection off Joshua Kimmich and went past Manuel Neuer.

The goal led to scenes of absolute pandemonium among the supporters and players of the Caribbean nation. Comenencia pulled off the iconic ‘you can’t see me’ gesture popularised by WWE star John Cena, much to the delight of those watching from the stands.

This marked the first-ever goal for the tiny nation, whose appearance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 marks their debut in the quadrennial tournament. In fact, they are the smallest nation, by area and population, to ever secure qualification for the World Cup.

Despite going 3-1 down at half-time, courtesy of a goal from Nico Schlotterbeck and a penalty from Kai Havertz, the debutant players received a rousing applause from the fans in the stadium due to their fearless performance against the Germans.

Livano Comenencia Profile

• Age: 22
• Position: Right-back
• Club: FC Zurich (Switzerland)

Born in Breda, Netherlands, Comenencia is a product of the PSV Eindhoven youth academy. After signing a five-year contract with PSV Eindhoven in 2022, he joined Juventus’ reserve side a year later for an undisclosed fee.

However, his time with the Bianconeri did not work out, and the young full-back signed with Swiss Super League side FC Zurich during the 2025 summer transfer window. He made 25 appearances for his new club.

His versatility and pace made him a strong candidate for the national team. The former Netherlands youth international made his debut for the Caribbean nation in 2024 and has since made 19 appearances. He has scored three goals for Curacao, including this strike against Germany.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.