PSG's rise to fame has a lot to do with their signings and financial prowess. Under Nasser Al-Khelaifi's presidency, the Parisian outfit has thrived and achieved global prominence.
Today, Paris Saint-Germain houses some of the best players in the world. For many young starlets, the Parc des Princes is the perfect stage to attain worldwide recognition. While the club is known to sign top-level players for a huge amount of money, it has also given ample opportunities to youngsters over the years.
In this article, let's take a look at the five youngest debutants in Paris Saint-Germain's history.
Ranking the 5 youngest debutants in PSG's history
#5 Bartholomew Ogbeche — 16 years, 11 months, 21 days
Bartholomew Ogbeche started his career with Paris Saint-Germain at a young age. He made his debut for the senior side in the 2001-02 season aged 16 years, 11 months, and 21 days. However, he failed to establish himself at the club and subsequently had two loan stints at Bastia and Metz. A dip in form and a thigh injury eventually saw him leave the Parisians for good in June 2005.
The striker made a total of 75 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain's senior side across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing one assist.
Ogbeche currently plies his trade at Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC.
#4 Nicolas Anelka — 16 years, 10 months, 24 days
Nicolas Anelka has played for numerous European giants in his career, including PSG, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Juventus. However, his entire journey started with Paris Saint-Germain.
Having risen through the ranks at the French Football Federation’s famed Clairefontaine academy, Anelka joined PSG in 1996. He made his debut for the club in the 1996-97 season, aged 16 years, 10 months, and 24 days.
Unfortunately, the intense competition at the Parisian club forced him to leave. He joined Arsenal in 1997 and enjoyed some success there before moving to Real Madrid in 1999.
However, the Frenchman returned to Paris Saint-Germain in 2000. He made a total of 69 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing two assists.
After playing for multiple clubs in Europe and Asia, Anelka retired in 2005.
#3 Didier Domi — 16 years, 8 months, 22 days
Didier Domi is a forgotten name among the ranks of PSG. He was with the Parisian giants before they attained elite status in European football.
Domi joined Paris Saint-Germain as a youth recruit and earned a professional contract at the club before he turned 17. His debut came in the Coupe de la Ligue Round of 16 clash against Lyon in 1996 when he was aged 16 years, eight months, and 22 days.
Domi remained with PSG for another two years before joining Newcastle United in 1999. However, his performances for the English side once again attracted the attention of his boyhood club. The Parisians subsequently approached the Magpies to buy the defender back.
Unfortunately, the Frenchman's return to Paris Saint-Germain was marred by injuries, and he fell down the pecking order at the club. He was eventually offloaded to Leeds United as a loanee before joining Espanyol in 2004.
The former defender made 113 appearances for PSG across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He currently works for beIN Sports in the Middle East.
#2 Kingsley Coman — 16 years, 8 months, 4 days
Kingsley Coman began his career with French side US Senart-Moissy in 2002, when he was six years old. He joined Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy in 2004 at the age of eight. He spent nine years in the youth set-up and eventually earned a promotion to the club's senior team.
After spending nine years in PSG's youth system, Coman made his professional debut for the club in February 2013 when his side suffered a 3-2 league defeat to Sochaux.
Coman spent only two seasons with the French giants. He made just four appearances for the senior side across all competitions in that period.
The winger currently plies his trade for Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.
#1 El Chadaille Bitshiabu — 16 years, 7 months, 3 days
El Chadaille Bitshiabu joined Paris Saint-Germain's youth set-up from Athletic Club Boulogne Billancourt in 2017 at the age of 12. His performances during his academy days earned him an aspiring contract in 2020, at the age of just 15.
The teenager signed his first professional contract with PSG in July 2021. He made his debut for the club in a 3–0 win over Feignies Aulnoye in the Coupe de France in December 2021. At the time, he was aged 16 years, seven months, and three days. In the process, he broke Kingsley Coman's record to become the youngest ever player to debut for the French side.
The center-back has made two appearances for PSG's senior side so far.