Warren Zaïre-Emery: Rising Star of French Football

At just 17, Warren Zaïre-Emery has become a beacon of talent in football, breaking records at PSG and impressing on the international stage with France.
Warren Zaïre-Emery, who was born on March 8, 2006, in Montreuil, France, has quickly risen to prominence as one of football's most exciting young prospects. Currently, he plays as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team, where he is known for his poise, vision, and adaptability. As a product of the esteemed PSG Academy, his journey from the local club Aubervilliers to the international arena showcases his remarkable skill and dedication. Even at such a young age, Zaïre-Emery has established himself among the top tier of football, notably becoming PSG's youngest-ever player and goalscorer.
His career path showcases a harmonious combination of innate talent and dedicated training. Recognized for his technical prowess and maturity that surpasses his age, Zaïre-Emery has captivated both fans and critics. With a rapidly growing reputation as a transformative force in midfield, he has established himself as a key player within PSG’s framework and a symbol of optimism for French football.
Significant Achievements in His Career
Warren Zaïre-Emery's career has been distinguished by a number of remarkable milestones. In 2022, he signed his inaugural professional contract with PSG, making history as the youngest player to participate for the club at merely 16 years and 151 days old. His debut season highlighted his significant potential, as he became the youngest athlete in UEFA Champions League history to start a match in the knockout rounds. During this time, he also netted his first senior goal, establishing himself as PSG’s youngest goalscorer ever.
Zaïre-Emery played a significant role in PSG's success in domestic competitions, contributing to the team's achievement of the Ligue 1 title during his debut season. By his second season, he had established himself as a key starter and was instrumental in the club achieving a domestic treble. On the international front, he made history by captaining France's under-21 team at the age of 17, marking the youngest captaincy in three decades, and he scored on his senior debut in November 2023.
These achievements highlight his remarkable journey in football, as each success reinforces his status as a pioneer in the sport. His knack for performing consistently well under pressure and his ability to adapt to different positions have been pivotal to his swift ascent.
Awards and Honors
Warren Zaïre-Emery's rapid ascent in the world of football has been accompanied by a host of accolades that highlight his skill and influence, even at such a young age. His significant breakthrough with Paris Saint-Germain has etched his name in the history books as one of the most promising midfield talents. These achievements have been crucial in showcasing his development and potential.
Recognition as a Young Player at PSG: Warren Zaïre-Emery’s emergence as the youngest player and goalscorer in the history of Paris Saint-Germain showcases his remarkable ability to achieve significant milestones early in his career.
UEFA Champions League Achievement: His status as the youngest player to start a knockout match in the Champions League highlighted his preparedness for elite competition and garnered respect throughout Europe.
France U21 Captaincy: In September 2023, Warren was appointed as the youngest captain of the France U21 team in three decades, demonstrating his leadership qualities at such a young age.
Record for Senior National Team: Scoring during his debut for the French senior team at the age of 17 established him as a generational talent and made him one of the youngest goal scorers in the history of French football.
Statistics
Zaïre-Emery’s statistics showcase his exceptional talent and significant contributions on the field. During his inaugural Ligue 1 season, he participated in over 20 matches, demonstrating his dependability and impact within PSG’s midfield. As of 2023, he has set the record as the youngest player to appear for PSG and to score in a UEFA Champions League knockout game. His goal against Montpellier at just 16 years and 330 days made him the youngest scorer in the club's history.
On the international stage, Zaïre-Emery has also made a considerable impact. Earning several caps for the France senior team, he attained the distinction of being the nation's second-youngest goalscorer during his debut. At the youth level, his exemplary leadership abilities were evident as he took on the role of captain for the under-21 team.
Category
Data
Appearances for Club (PSG)
Over 30 matches
Total Goals Scored (PSG)
Two goals
PSG's Youngest Player
16 years and 151 days
Youngest Goalscorer for PSG
16 years and 330 days
Youngest UEFA Champions League Starter
16 years and 343 days
National Team Appearances (France)
3 appearances for the senior team
International Goals for France
One goal
Leadership in Youth
The youngest captain of the U21 team in three decades
Resilience & Comebacks
The journey of Zaïre-Emery has been filled with obstacles. Navigating the pressures that come with being a teenage talent in the competitive world of top-tier football demanded significant mental resilience. Nevertheless, he consistently met these challenges head-on, making his debut for PSG’s senior squad while still shining at the youth level. His choice to stay with PSG, despite interest from prominent European clubs, illustrates his dedication to personal development and loyalty to the club he has supported since childhood.
Zaïre-Emery demonstrated his ability to excel in high-pressure situations during the UEFA Youth League, where he played a crucial role in securing victories for PSG. His successful navigation of the transition from youth to senior football showcased his resilience, as he established himself as a starter on one of the most competitive teams in Europe.
Legacy
Warren Zaïre-Emery's influence on football goes beyond his record achievements. As the youngest player and goalscorer in PSG's history, he has motivated a new wave of aspiring footballers. His journey highlights the benefits of diligence, determination, and skill. At the age of just 17, he has become an emblem of PSG's success in youth development and a symbol of optimism for the future of French football.
On the international stage, his performances have cemented his status as a vital asset in France’s midfield. His role as captain of the under-21 team, along with his swift impact at the senior level, underscores his significance both on and off the field. Zaïre-Emery’s career serves as a powerful illustration of how young players can push the limits of what is possible at a young age.
Future Prospects
The future looks incredibly bright for Zaïre-Emery. As he continues to grow and hone his skills, he is set to establish himself as an essential part of PSG’s midfield and a critical figure for the French national team. With his exceptional technical abilities, strategic understanding of the game, and strong leadership traits, he is expected to create new standards in both domestic and international football.
Looking ahead, potential milestones include breaking additional records at PSG and leaving a significant impact in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. His ongoing development and dedication to excellence place him in contention for individual honors like the Ballon d’Or in the future.
The journey of Zaïre-Emery is only just starting, and the football community is keenly looking forward to the achievements he will accomplish in the future.





