At just 15 years and 260 days old, Francesco Camarda donned AC Milan’s iconic black and red stripes, stepping onto the soccer field on Saturday to etch his name in history as the youngest debutant in Serie A. Replacing Luka Jović in the 84th minute during the 1-0 triumph over Fiorentina, Camarda shattered the previous record held by Wisdom Amey, who debuted for Bologna at 15 years and 274 days old. This milestone appearance in the famed AC Milan jersey contributed to ending the team’s recent winless spell, solidifying their third-place standing in the league, just five points behind the frontrunners, Inter Milan.
In a twist of fate, the shortage of attackers in the AC Milan camp opened an unexpected door for young talent. The team, clad in their iconic red and black jerseys, found themselves in a predicament as their striking options dwindled. Olivier Giroud faced a two-match suspension following a red card incident in the clash against Lecce, while Noah Okafor suffered an injury while on duty with the Swiss national team. This sudden gap in the frontline presented a unique opportunity for a rising star to step up and don the prestigious AC Milan jersey, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s strategy and showcasing the depth of talent waiting in the wings.
“He is wise for his age, he is serene, but we are guiding him with balance and a smile required for his age”
Milan coach Stefano Pioli praised Francesco Camarda’s maturity
AC Milan’s Exceptional Request for Young Prodigy
Under normal circumstances, the young striker wouldn’t have been eligible to play with the seniors, as the rules of the Italian league permit players only from the age of 16 to compete in the top division. However, AC Milan found themselves petitioning the Italian Football Federation for special permission, citing the exceptional circumstances they faced. The federation, recognizing the unique situation, granted the request, paving the way for this young talent to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. Given the glimpses of brilliance we’ve seen from Camarda, it’s safe to say this likely won’t be the last time we see him performing in Milan’s colors, hinting at the start of an exciting journey in professional football.
Who Is Francesco Camarda, the Rising Star in AC Milan’s Jersey?
Francesco Camarda’s journey to stardom began at Afforese, a renowned football school in the heart of Milan. It wasn’t long before the nearby professional powerhouse AC Milan spotted his talent. After a year at Afforese, Camarda made the coveted leap in 2015, donning the AC Milan jersey and joining their academy ranks. Interestingly, his first training session with AC Milan saw him positioned as a defender. Yet, it was his unstoppable dribbling and knack for finding the back of the net that quickly prompted a strategic shift, moving him upfront as a striker—a role where he would shine incredibly.
While honing his skills in AC Milan’s academy, Camarda’s goal-scoring prowess became apparent. A memorable moment unfolded at an under-9 tournament in Vienna, Austria. Facing a 2-0 deficit against Bayern Munich and sidelined with an injury, Camarda’s determination saw him return to the pitch, astonishingly scoring twice and assisting another, turning the game on its head for a dramatic 3-2 victory. His reputation as a prolific scorer only grew, leading AC Milan’s under-15 team to the Scudetto title with an impressive tally of 22 goals in 24 games.
Emerging as a formidable force, Camarda first caught the media’s attention last year, soon after playing in a friendly for Milan’s U19 team. His record in youth football is nothing short of astounding: between 2017 and 2020, he scored an incredible 483 goals in just 87 matches, averaging 5.5 goals per game. While this tally includes smaller-sided games, there’s no denying that Camarda is one of the most promising players of his age group. Sciabolata Morbida, a player scout, had already spotlighted this AC Milan prodigy back in 2021, when he was playing for the U15 team and impressively scored 22 times in 24 matches.
In the World of Youth Football: Francesco Camarda’s Meteoric Rise
Francesco Camarda’s journey in football is a tale of relentless ascent, marked by impressive performances not just in the iconic AC Milan jersey but also in the national colors of Italy. Last season, he burst onto the scene with the Italian U15 national team, swiftly making his mark with 6 goals and 5 assists in just 9 matches. This stellar performance quickly earned him a call-up to the U16 squad, where he continued his scoring spree, netting 3 goals and contributing 2 assists across 7 games.
But Camarda didn’t stop there. This summer, he took his talents to the U17 national team, proving his mettle yet again with 4 goals and an assist in just 6 matches. Back at AC Milan, his rise through the ranks was equally meteoric. Last year, he graced the fields for both the U17 and U19 teams. Starting this season with Milan’s Primavera (U19) squad, he’s already tallied 7 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions, including a hat-trick in the Italian Cup and a brace in the Youth Champions League.
But it was in the UEFA Youth League where Camarda truly made his mark on the European stage. In a game against Newcastle United on September 19, 2023, he dazzled fans once again, scoring a brace in AC Milan’s emphatic 4-0 win. These goals not only showcased his incredible talent in the AC Milan jersey but also etched his name in the record books as the second-youngest player to score a brace in the tournament.
At just 15 years and 193 days old, he became the youngest Italian ever to score in the competition, surpassing Fabrizio Caligara’s previous record. Camarda’s rise in the ranks of AC Milan continues to captivate the sports world, signalling the emergence of a new football icon.
Following in the Footsteps of a Legend: Camarda’s Admiration for Ronaldo
Camarda has often expressed his admiration for the Brazilian football icon Ronaldo, his lifelong hero. Earlier in the year, he shared, ‘Ronaldo, the Phenomenon, has always been my idol. My dad, too, is an ardent admirer of the Brazilian star. I’ve always enjoyed watching videos of Ronaldo’s plays and studying his movements.
The Cautionary Tale of Krkić: A Warning for Young Athletes
Remarkably, at just 15 years old, Camarda already has his own Wikipedia page. However, as Sciabolata Morbida points out, not every youth prodigy turns into a football legend – citing examples like Javier Portillo, who broke Raúl’s records in Real Madrid’s youth teams, and Bojan Krkić, who started as a prodigy in Barcelona. Regardless, Camarda’s journey is one to watch closely, as he continues to dazzle in both the national and AC Milan jerseys, signaling a bright future in the world of football.
The story of the former Barcelona prodigy Krkić serves as a poignant reminder for all aspiring young athletes. Krkić, who shattered numerous records in the club’s youth and senior teams, debuting with a goal in the latter, faced severe mental health challenges due to the sudden onslaught of pressure. Before his first national team match at the tender age of 17, Krkić suffered a panic attack that prevented him from playing.
With 163 appearances and 41 goals for Barca, his career never reached the heights once predicted, leading to an early retirement at 33. This year, Krkić returned to his roots, aiming to mentor teenagers on the brink of breaking into the senior team, using his experiences to guide and support them.
Continuing the Legacy: AC Milan’s Gallery of Stars
The legacy of the AC Milan jersey extends beyond these icons, with more legends who have adorned it with exceptional talent and dedication. Paolo Maldini, a symbol of loyalty and excellence, wore the AC Milan jersey for his entire career, renowned for his impeccable defending and leadership. Franco Baresi, another stalwart in defense, showcased his extraordinary skills and tactical intelligence in the AC Milan colors, setting high standards for future defenders. Andrea Pirlo, with his visionary passing and exquisite free-kick skills, added elegance and creativity to the midfield while wearing the AC Milan jersey. And Clarence Seedorf, known for his powerful presence and versatility, brought dynamism and strength to the team.
Ronaldinho, with his magical footwork, donned the AC Milan jersey, mesmerizing fans with every touch and bringing a flair unique to his playstyle. Kaka, another AC Milan legend, combined elegance with explosive speed, captivating the Rossoneri faithful with his exceptional skills and goal-scoring prowess. Filippo Inzaghi, a true poacher, wore the AC Milan jersey with pride, known for his incredible positional sense and a knack for scoring crucial goals. And Marco van Basten, an emblem of excellence, represented AC Milan with remarkable goal-scoring abilities and technical finesse, setting a standard for future generations. These legends, each in their own right, have etched their names in AC Milan’s rich history, embodying the spirit and passion of the iconic AC Milan jersey.
These players have collectively shaped AC Milan’s glorious history, each adding a unique chapter to the story of the iconic AC Milan jersey. Only time will reveal if Camarda will ascend to legendary status wearing the AC Milan jersey, adding his name to the illustrious list of those who have donned the iconic red and black stripes.