Brian Madjo ‘England’s subsequent Harry Kane’ – despite the fact that 6ft 4in teen performed for Luxembourg
A new star was born on Wednesday evening as 17-year-old Brian Madjo found the net for Aston Villa in the Super Cup – and got England fans very excited
Brian Madjo made a name for himself in the Super Cup(Image: Cesare Purini/Insidefoto/Shutterstock)
A star was born on Wednesday evening as Brian Madjo shocked the footballing world when he fired Aston Villa level in the Super Cup.
Madjo, 17, ripped up the history books as he became the youngster ever goalscorer in the competition as the Europa League champions clashed with the Champions League holders in Salzburg.
PSG would eventually score again through Desire Doue to get their hands on the trophy, but Madjo emerged as the story of the night. And his stunning debut was enough to get England fans dreaming, with some already declaring the teenage sensation could be the heir to Harry Kane.
England fans have crowned him as Harry Kane’s heir(Image: Xinhua/Shutterstock)
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Madjo was born in Enfield, London, to Cameroonian parents – with his father Guy, who played across England’s lower leagues, at Shrewsbury Town at the time of his birth.
Guy fled to West Africa after being arrested for sexually assaulting a woman in his home in Grayshott, Hampshire. As a result, he was tried absentia and jailed for three-and-a-half years.
However, he has never returned to the UK – and was reported to be playing in Gabon at the time of his conviction.
Brian Madjo grew up in Luxembourg and played for their youth teams(Image: Philipp Kresnik/SPP/Shutterstock)
As a 12-year-old, Madjo moved to Luxembourg, and he was playing for local team Racing Union when he was scouted by French Ligue 1 side FC Metz, just across the French the border, aged 14.
Luxembourg’s academy director Delvin Skenderovic described Madjo as “a lot of Romelu Lukaku”. He said: “I think he has quite a similar profile where he’s able to keep the ball, he’s strong with his head.
“But I just think Brian will be a little bit faster than Lukaku.”
Aston Villa had to navigate FIFA’s rules for his signature(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
At 16-years-old, he made his professional debut for Metz, becoming the club’s youngest player when he appeared in a Ligue 1 game. By this time, he was making waves on the international scene for Luxembourg’s youth sides.
Shortly after his debut, Premier League clubs were already pushing for his signature – with Villa at the front of the queue. And on his 17th birthday, he put pen-to-paper on a deal.
“I’m really happy to be at this beautiful club,” he said. “The project was the one for me, the environment is very good for me and the coaching staff will help me to improve. This is a great opportunity for me because it’s going to make me grow.”
However, Villa faced a legal battle to bring him to Villa Park due to FIFA’s rules, which prohibit the international transfer of players under 18.
Villa appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for an exemption to the ruling, on the basis that Madjo was simply returning to the UK, and their case was upheld.
Now cleared to play, the 6ft4 striker made his debut in the Super Cup: “He played because he was showing us his capacity to work and be demanding,” said Emery.
“It is not just about scoring goals, it’s about defending and how he has the commitment and discipline tactically. He was doing that.
“I wanted to play with young players and watch their progression. Brian started scoring goals [in pre-season] against Walsall and Real Sociedad.
“Now the reality is we have shown their capacity, but they have to keep being consistent, demanding and keep performing at the level they were.”
While Villa’s stars were also full of praise for the boy that plays, and looks, beyond his years – Tyrone Mings described Madjo after the game as “a big old boy” as Matty Cash added: “He’s a beast.”
