Romanian teen Sali makes int'l debut to be youngest European player ever

Norwegian midfielder Odegaard was 15 years and 300 days old to play for his nation in 2014, Sali broke his record Sunday

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - A 15-year-old midfielder, Enes Sali on Sunday made his Romania debut against Liechtenstein to be the youngest European player in an international game.

Turkey-born Sali, who plays for Farul Constanta, was 15 years and 264 days when he played for his native Romania in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Sunday evening.

Romania beat Liechtenstein 2-0 in a Group J match in Vaduz as Sali was subbed in close to the end of the match.

He broke Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard's record in this category.

Now playing for Arsenal, Odegaard was 15 years and 300 days old to play for Norway in 2014.

Romania's Sali holds a Canadian citizenship as he was born in Toronto.

Germany bagged 27 points in 10 matches to win Group J.

The 2014 world champions have already qualified for the next year's World Cup in Qatar.

Second-place North Macedonia have 18 points to join the playoffs.

Romania ended with 17 points and were eliminated.

Kaynak: