Myles Lewis-Skelly has moved close to a long standing UEFA Champions League record held by Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu after becoming one of the youngest players to start multiple semi final matches in the competition’s history.
The UEFA Champions League has seen few teenagers feature consistently at the semi final stage, but the Arsenal midfielder has now started three matches at that level, placing him among an elite group of young talents.
Only former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Kanu have recorded more semi final starts as teenagers, with both players having four. Lewis Skelly’s rapid rise has drawn attention across Europe due to his growing influence in Arsenal’s midfield during their recent continental campaign.
The teenager played 74 minutes in Arsenal’s narrow 1 to 0 victory over Atletico Madrid, a result that secured the club’s first Champions League final appearance in two decades. His performances have strengthened his reputation as one of the most promising young players in European football.
Kanu’s record was elished during his early career at Ajax, where he rose to prominence in the mid 1990s after impressing at youth international level. He later became a key figure in Ajax’s Champions League success, featuring in both semi final and final matches during their dominant run.
He made his Champions League debut in 1994 and went on to play in four semi final matches as a teenager, including appearances in Ajax’s victorious 1995 campaign when they defeated AC Milan in the final.
Kanu later went on to have a distinguished European career with Inter Milan and Arsenal, where he became part of the famous 2004 unbeaten league winning squad.
Another Nigerian born player, George Ilenikhena, has also recently set records of his own after becoming the youngest African to reach 15 Champions League appearances while playing for AS Monaco before a move to Al Ittihad.
As Lewis Skelly continues his breakthrough season, attention remains on whether he can match or surpass Kanu’s long standing teenage Champions League semi final record.
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