Top 10 Youngest Players to Make Their Premier League Debut

The Premier League is one of the most competitive football leagues in the world. Making a debut in such a prestigious league at a young age is a remarkable achievement. Over the years, several youngsters have broken into first-team football earlier than expected, showcasing their immense potential. This list features the ten youngest players to have made their Premier League debut, highlighting just how early some talents began their professional journeys.

10. Reece Oxford

• Club: West Ham United
• Debut Match: Arsenal 0-2 West Ham (August 9, 2015)
• Age: 16 years 236 days

Reece Oxford broke into the West Ham lineup in 2015 and impressed with his composure in midfield against a strong Arsenal side. Despite being one of the youngest players to feature in the Premier League, Oxford played with maturity beyond his years. His debut sparked widespread attention and comparisons to elite defensive midfielders.

9. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy

• Club: Aston Villa
• Debut Match: Sunderland 0-4 Aston Villa (March 14, 2015)
• Age: 16 years 198 days

Hepburn-Murphy made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa during a dominant 4-0 away win. He came on as a substitute, making history as the club's youngest ever Premier League player. Despite a promising start, injuries and lack of playing time impacted his top-flight development.

8. Gary McSheffrey

• Club: Coventry City
• Debut Match: Aston Villa 4-1 Coventry
• Age: 16 years 198 days

Gary McSheffrey was a teenage prodigy who debuted for Coventry at just 16. Though his team suffered a loss, his early inclusion in senior football showcased his raw ability. McSheffrey would go on to have a solid career in English football, though never quite reached the highest level consistently.

7. Jose Baxter

• Club: Everton
• Debut Match: Everton 2-3 Blackburn (August 16, 2008)
• Age: 16 years 191 days

Jose Baxter’s inclusion in the Everton first team was a major talking point in 2008. At just over 16 years old, Baxter became the youngest player to ever play for Everton in the Premier League. Despite early promise, off-field issues and inconsistency affected his progress.

6. Aaron Lennon

• Club: Leeds United
• Debut Match: Tottenham 2-1 Leeds (August 23, 2003)
• Age: 16 years 129 days

Lennon was a pacey winger who burst onto the scene with Leeds United. He later moved to Tottenham and became a regular Premier League player. His early debut made him one of the youngest players in league history, and he enjoyed a lengthy top-flight career.

5. Isaiah Brown

• Club: West Bromwich Albion
• Debut Match: West Brom 2-3 Wigan (May 4, 2013)
• Age: 16 years 117 days

Isaiah Brown’s appearance for West Brom made him the second-youngest debutant at the time. Though his time in the Premier League was brief, his early exposure to senior football led to a transfer to Chelsea, where he was part of their youth development strategy.

4. Matthew Briggs

• Club: Fulham
• Debut Match: Middlesbrough 3-1 Fulham (May 13, 2007)
• Age: 16 years 68 days

Matthew Briggs held the record for the youngest player in Premier League history for many years. Fulham gave him his debut at just 16 years and 68 days, recognizing his potential. However, he struggled to become a consistent first-team player in later years.

3. Harvey Elliott

• Club: Fulham
• Debut Match: Wolves 1-0 Fulham (May 4, 2019)
• Age: 16 years 30 days

Harvey Elliott became one of the most talked-about youngest players after his debut for Fulham. His flair, dribbling, and confidence on the ball were exceptional for someone so young. He later joined Liverpool, where he continues to develop under Jurgen Klopp.

2. Jeremy Monga

• Club: Leicester City
• Debut Match: Leicester 0-3 Newcastle (July 22, 2025)
• Age: 15 years 271 days

Leicester’s Jeremy Monga shocked fans and pundits alike when he came on in a Premier League match at just 15. Though he has a long way to go, Monga’s debut at such a young age makes him one of the most exciting young prospects in English football.

1. Ethan Nwaneri

• Club: Arsenal
• Debut Match: Brentford 0-3 Arsenal (September 18, 2022)
• Age: 15 years 181 days

Ethan Nwaneri made history by becoming the youngest player ever to make his Premier League debut. Introduced late in Arsenal’s win over Brentford, the teenager made headlines across the world. Arsenal sees him as a key figure for the future, and his rise has just begun.