Analysis: 16-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye symbolises PSG's youthful transition
One To Watch
Paris Saint-Germain opened their 2024-2025 season with a convincing 4-1 win away to Le Havre on Friday night. Luis Enrique decided to make headlines by naming young winger Ibrahim Mbaye in Les Parisiens' starting line-up at Stade Océane. Aged 16 years, six months and 23 days, Mbaye made history as the youngest player ever to start for PSG in an official match.
"I'm entering into the history of the club. It's incredible," Mbaye remarked following the game to PSG TV. "You have to work hard to get to this level. It's certainly a change to what I'm used to. There's a huge intensity, it's really something else."
The explosive winger had made a name for himself during Les Parisiens' pre-season preparations against Sturm Graz (2-2) and Leipzig (1-1), and was rewarded with a starting spot alongside another youthful Parisian, Yoram Zague (17).
The 17-year-old made his debut alongside fellow titi Senny Mayulu last season, the latter starting on the bench on Friday evening. Let's not forget that midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery is still only 18 years-old and looks as settled and mature as ever.
PSG's youngest-ever starting XI
The project at Paris Saint-Germain these days is one which is looking to the future and its own academy. The victory over Le Havre was earned with the Rouge et Bleu's youngest-ever line-up, with Luis Enrique's XI having an average age of 22 years and 192 days.
Mbaye's performance against Le Havre was encouraging for the future to say the least. With the injury of Gonçalo Ramos, expect more game time for Mbaye in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Les Parisiens will host Montpellier in their first match at the Parc des Princes this season on Friday evening (20:45 CET).
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