Shamrock Rovers forward Michael Noonan, 16, becomes youngest scorer in his debut

By Canadian Press on February 13, 2025.

MOLDE, Norway (AP) — Irish teenager Michael Noonan had a debut to remember for Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.

The 16-year-old forward became what his team said was the youngest-ever goalscorer in European club competition.

Noonan’s second-half goal gave the “Hoops” a 1-0 victory over Norwegian club Molde in the first leg of their Conference League playoff.

At 16 years, 197 days old, Noonan beat Romelu Lukaku’s record by 21 days. Lukaku had set the record in December 2009 when he scored for Anderlecht against Ajax in the Europa League.

The Dublin side is the first Irish team to play in a knockout stage of a European competition.

The second leg with Molde is next Thursday at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

Noonan, who had a trial with Manchester City, joined Rovers in January from St Patrick’s Athletic, where he had become the Saints’ youngest-ever starter at age 15 years, 9 months.

He’s an Under-17 international for Ireland.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Associated Press

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