Youssoufa Moukoko becomes youngest Germany player in World Cup history

Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko came on as a substitute in Germany’s 2-1 loss to Japan, becoming the youngest German player to feature in the World Cup.

Germany faced off against Japan in their first game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and to the surprise of many came out second best as they were on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat. Goals from Rtisu Doan, who plays for SC Freiburg, and VfL Bochum’s Takuma Asano cancelled out a 33rd minute penalty from İlkay Gündoğan.

Borussia Dortmund defenders Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck were on the pitch and played their part in the less than ideal showing on Germany’s part. But there was a silver lining for BVB fans as Youssoufa Moukoko was subbed on in the dying embers of the game to become Germany’s youngest ever player to feature in the FIFA World Cup.

Admittedly, the substitution was far too late for the young striker to have any sort of say in the match, but his substitution adds to a long list of accolades the young striker has been able to claim for his own. The record was previously held by Karl-Heinz Schnellinger, who played for Germany at the 1958 World Cup at the age of 19 years, two months and eleven days.

Youssoufa Moukoko’s inclusion into the game is hopefully just the beginning of what will be a stellar and prosperous international career. Considering Germany’s lack of depth at the striker position, one can assume that he will play more of a role in Germany’s coming games in this tournament, which will be a good platform for the young striker to stamp his authority on the position, should Hansi Flick allow him the chance to do so.