Top five youngest debutants for France

A journey through the top five youngest debutants in French football history.

In the illustrious history of the France Men’s national football team, a select group of prodigious talents have graced the pitch at an age when most youngsters were still honing their skills. These footballing prodigies, etching their names in the annals of French football, made their international debuts at an age that belied their exceptional talents.

In this article, we delve into the captivating stories of the top five youngest debutants for Les Bleus. Let’s explore their journeys from the early days to their momentous entries onto the international stage.

5. René Gérard (17 years, 11 months)

Our final entry, René Gérard, made his mark as a forward for Montpellier. A month away from adulthood, Gérard made his debut. It was in a 3-1 victory over Scotland on May 8, 1932, at the age of 17 years and 11 months.

Gérard’s international career spanned seven appearances. He secured his place in history by scoring both his international goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Germany in March 1933. His contributions added to the rich tapestry of French football history.

4. Eduardo Camavinga (17 years, 9 months, 29 days)

Eduardo Camavinga, the fourth youngest debutant, shares a striking similarity with Zaïre-Emery. At 17 years, 9 months and 29 days, Camavinga donned the French jersey during a UEFA Nations League match against Croatia on September 8, 2020. The Real Madrid midfielder, formerly with Rennes, entered the game as a substitute for N’Golo Kanté, showcasing his talents on the international stage.

Like his predecessors, Camavinga’s call-up at such a tender age signifies the faith French coaches have in the prodigious talents emerging from the nation’s football academies.

3. Warren Zaïre-Emery (17 years, 8 months, 11 days)

Fast-forward to November 18, 2023, the footballing landscape witnessed the emergence of Warren Zaïre-Emery, a Paris Saint-Germain prodigy. At 17 years, eight months and 11 days, Zaïre-Emery etched his name in post-war French football history by starting in a record-breaking victory. It was in 14-0 win over Gibraltar at Nice’s Allianz Riviera.

Not only did he participate in the historic victory, but he also found the net just 16 minutes into the game, becoming France’s youngest post-war scorer. A talent nurtured by PSG since 2014, Zaïre-Emery’s future in the French squad looks promising.

2. Maurice Gastiger (17 years, 4 months, 5 days)

Maurice Gastiger, our second entry, made his mark in French football history. He was not only a debutant but also the youngest goal-scorer for France. Debuting at 17 years, 4 months and 5 days, Gastiger faced Luxembourg on February 8, 1914, in a historic match that ended in France’s only loss to date against Luxembourg.

However, Gastiger redeemed themselves by becoming the youngest scorer for Les Bleus at the age of 17 years, 5 months and 5 days. It was in a 2-2 draw with Switzerland on March 8, 1914. His contributions extended beyond his debut, making him a unique figure in French football history.

1. Julien Verbrugghe (16 years, 10 months, 6 days)

The first name on our list is Julien Verbrugghe, whose record as the youngest French debutant has stood the test of time for over a century. At a mere 16 years, 10 months and 6 days, Verbrugghe stepped onto the Parc des Princes pitch on November 1, 1906. It was in a challenging match against England that ended in a 15-0 defeat for France.

A forward with AS Française and later Red Star, Verbrugghe played three more matches with Les Bleus. All those games were in 1911, before his untimely demise at the age of 26 during the Battle of the Somme in August 1916.

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