George Ilenikhena Shatters Nwankwo Kanu’s 30-Year-Old Champions League Record

Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena has etched his name into football history by becoming the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the UEFA Champions League. The 19-year-old AS Monaco star achieved this historic milestone during a league phase match against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, January 20, 2026.

Ilenikhena reached the 15-game mark at exactly 19 years and 157 days old, surpassing the legendary Nwankwo Kanu, who set the previous record of 19 years and 260 days while playing for Ajax in April 1996. UEFA officially confirmed the record on Wednesday, cementing Ilenikhena’s status as one of Europe's most promising young talents.

This is not the first time the Lagos-born striker has made headlines. Since his debut, Ilenikhena has been on a record-breaking streak:

• Surpassing Kylian Mbappé: He previously became the youngest player in AS Monaco's history to score a Champions League goal, a record formerly held by the French captain.
• Historic Winner vs. Barcelona: While at Royal Antwerp, he scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner against FC Barcelona, announcing himself on the global stage.

Born in Nigeria but raised in France, Ilenikhena's international future remains a topic of significant interest. While he has represented France at the youth level, his recent achievements have sparked fresh calls from fans for him to commit to the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of the man whose record he just broke.

What do you think about George Ilenikhena’s rapid rise in European football? Can he go on to have a career as legendary as Nwankwo Kanu’s? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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