Eintracht Frankfurt's Niko Ilicevic became the joint-youngest player ever to appear in the Bundesliga in Sunday's win over Hamburger SV. The appearance came one day after he celebrated his 16th birthday on Saturday 31 October.
Late appearance brings record
Ilicevic came on in the third minute of stoppage time in Eintracht Frankfurt's match against Hamburger SV and equalled the record for the youngest player ever to appear in Germany’s top flight. GOAL reported that Ilicevic matched Youssoufa Moukoko, who made his Borussia Dortmund debut on 21 November 2020 aged 16 years and one day. Ilicevic was exactly the same age when he appeared.
Hütter's comments before the match
Before the match, Eintracht coach Adi Hütter had indicated that Ilicevic might play. He said: "If the situation allows me to bring him on, I will do it."
Hütter also said it was his "duty to treat such a young person very carefully and patiently". On a possible debut for Eintracht's first team, he said: "I find it extraordinary just to be in the squad at 16," and added: "He has made excellent progress in recent months."
Youth and international background
Born on 31 October 2010, Ilicevic has been part of Eintracht Frankfurt's youth set-up since 2019. He has also played for Germany's under-16 and under-17 national teams.
