Teen Sensation Michael Noonan Makes History in Shamrock Rovers’ Victory
Sixteen-year-old Michael Noonan made history by scoring the winning goal on his debut for Shamrock Rovers in their UEFA Conference League play-off against Molde.
At just 16 years and 197 days old, Noonan became the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s history when he converted a cross from Dylan Watts just before the hour mark.
A Record-Breaking Moment
Noonan’s goal not only set a new record in the Conference League but also made him the second youngest goalscorer in UEFA main club competition history.
He follows Nii Lamptey, who netted a goal for Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup at the age of 16 years and 100 days.
Molde was already down to 10 men when Noonan scored. The teenager played a crucial role in the first half when he was fouled by Valdemar Lund, leading to a straight red card for the Molde player.
Rising Talent with a Bright Future
Previously linked with a potential move to Premier League champions Manchester City, Noonan recently joined Shamrock Rovers from St Patrick’s Athletic.
His arrival has already made an impact, and his goal against Molde cements his status as a rising talent in European football.
Conference League’s Youngest Goalscorer
Noonan surpasses the previous record set by Hearts player James Wilson, who scored against Petrocub at 17 years and 288 days in December.
Shamrock Rovers have also made history as the first League of Ireland club to reach the knockout stages of a major European competition. They will now aim to secure a spot in the last 16 when they host Molde in the second leg next Thursday.
The winner of the tie will face either Cercle Brugge or Legia Warsaw in the next round.
Shamrock Rovers Set for a Historic Season
Shamrock Rovers’ domestic season has yet to commence, with their League of Ireland opener set to take place against Bohemians on Sunday. The match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin is expected to draw a crowd of over 30,000.
Noonan Joins an Elite List of UEFA Record Holders
On the same night that Noonan made history, Ajax midfielder Jorthy Mokio became the third 16-year-old to score in the Europa League with a stunning volley in Ajax’s 2-0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Noonan’s feat places him in esteemed company. Only Nii Lamptey has achieved a younger goal in UEFA club competition, while Romelu Lukaku now moves down to third, having scored for Anderlecht in the Europa League at 16 years and 218 days.
The youngest scorer in the Champions League remains Ansu Fati, who netted at 17 years and 40 days.
A Dream Start for Noonan
Remarkably, Noonan’s historic goal came on his Shamrock Rovers debut. He joined the club on a free transfer from St Patrick’s Athletic in January, having made just five senior appearances for his former club.
His performance has already made waves, making him the most searched player on Transfermarkt’s website this week. His classmates in Ireland will undoubtedly be talking about his incredible achievement for a long time to come.
Shamrock Rovers’ Next Challenge
Shamrock Rovers will now prepare for the return leg against Molde, aiming to book their place in the round of 16. If they advance, they will face either Cercle Brugge or Legia Warsaw.
Notable UEFA Conference League Results
In other Conference League matches, Real Betis’ Antony scored his second goal in three games since joining on loan from Manchester United in a 3-0 victory over Gent.
Elsewhere, Heidenheim secured a 2-1 away win against Copenhagen, while Bosnia’s Borac Banja Luka earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Olimpija Ljubljana.
Iceland’s Vikingur Reykjavik stunned Panathinaikos with a 2-1 home victory, despite the Greek side scoring a late penalty.
Additionally, Celje and APOEL Nicosia played to a 2-2 draw, while Jagiellonia Bialystok’s captain Jesus Imaz scored twice in a 3-1 win away to Serbia’s TSC Backa Topola.
