In a moment that will be etched into the annals of Premier League history, 15-year-old Jeremy Monga stepped onto the pitch for Leicester City during their match against Newcastle United on April 7, 2025, becoming the second-youngest player ever to feature in the competition. The young winger’s debut, at the tender age of 15 years and 271 days, sparked a wave of excitement among the King Power Stadium faithful, despite the Foxes falling to a 3-0 defeat.
Monga, a product of Leicester’s esteemed academy, replaced Bilal El Khannouss in the 74th minute of the match, earning the loudest cheer of the night from the home crowd. His appearance marked a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging evening for Leicester, who have now gone over 12 hours without scoring a goal in the Premier League. Wearing a sponsor-less shirt—due to regulations prohibiting gambling sponsorships for players under 18—Monga’s cameo was a symbolic nod to his youth and potential.
The record for the youngest Premier League player remains with Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted at 15 years and 181 days in 2022. However, Monga’s entry into this elite company underscores his rapid rise through the ranks. Already a standout for Leicester’s Under-21 side, where he has notched two goals and two assists in eight Premier League 2 appearances this season, the England Under-16 international has long been tipped for greatness.
Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, under pressure amid a dismal run of form, praised the teenager’s potential earlier this season, though he had previously expressed caution about fast-tracking him due to school commitments. “He’s developing really well, and you can see how good he is,” Van Nistelrooy said last week. “But as a 15-year-old, with school, the possibility to have him around the team is limited.” That stance appeared to shift as the Dutchman turned to Monga with the game slipping away, offering the youngster a chance to shine.
On the pitch, Monga showed flashes of his promise, recording 10 touches in his 15-minute stint. While he couldn’t turn the tide against a dominant Newcastle side—bolstered by goals from Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes—his fearless approach won admiration. Playing alongside club legend Jamie Vardy, who is 23 years his senior, Monga bridged generations in a forward line that hinted at both Leicester’s past glories and future hopes.
The debut comes at a time when Leicester’s academy is gaining a reputation as a hotbed of talent, with Monga attracting interest from top clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, and even European giants Barcelona. Despite the Foxes’ precarious position in the relegation zone, the club is reportedly doing “absolutely everything” to secure Monga’s long-term future, with plans to integrate him fully into the first team next season after he completes his schooling.