At just 17, Warren Zaïre-Emery exemplifies the future of football, blending talent and leadership with groundbreaking achievements at PSG and the French national team.
Warren Zaïre-Emery, born on March 8, 2006, in Montreuil, France, has quickly become one of football's most exciting young prospects. He currently plays as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team, where he is recognized for his calm demeanor, vision, and adaptability. A product of the esteemed PSG Academy, his path from the local club Aubervilliers to the international stage showcases his remarkable ability and dedication. At such a young age, Zaïre-Emery has already established himself among the elite of football, making history as PSG's youngest player and goalscorer.
His career path showcases a harmonious fusion of innate talent and diligent training. Renowned for his technical prowess and maturity that surpasses his age, Zaïre-Emery has captivated both fans and analysts. With a rising reputation as a transformative presence in midfield, he has established himself as a vital component of PSG’s squad and a symbol of optimism for French football.
Key Achievements
Warren Zaïre-Emery's professional career has been highlighted by a series of remarkable achievements. In 2022, he made history by signing his first professional contract with PSG, becoming the youngest player to ever play for the club at just 16 years and 151 days old. His debut season revealed his extraordinary potential, as he became the youngest player in UEFA Champions League history to start a knockout match. During this time, he also scored his first senior goal, establishing himself as PSG's youngest goalscorer ever.
Zaïre-Emery played a significant role in PSG's domestic triumphs, contributing to the team's Ligue 1 title victory in his inaugural season. In his second season, he cemented his position as a starting player and was instrumental in the club achieving a domestic treble. On the international front, he captained France's under-21 team at the age of 17, the youngest captain in three decades, before making an impact by scoring during his senior debut in November 2023.
These achievements highlight his exceptional rise in football, with every success further solidifying his status as a pioneer. His capability to consistently excel under pressure and adapt to different roles has been vital to his swift progression.
Awards and Honors
Warren Zaïre-Emery’s rapid ascent in the world of football has been accompanied by a plethora of awards acknowledging his talent and influence, even at such a young age. His emergence at Paris Saint-Germain has secured his place in history as one of the most promising midfield talents. These achievements have been crucial in defining his growth and potential.
Recognition as a Young Player at PSG: By becoming the youngest player and goalscorer in the history of Paris Saint-Germain, he has proven his capability to achieve remarkable milestones early in his career.
UEFA Champions League Achievement: His distinction as the youngest player to start a knockout match in the Champions League highlighted his preparedness for the top tier of competition and garnered admiration throughout Europe.
France U21 Captaincy: In September 2023, Warren was appointed as the youngest captain of the France U21 team in 30 years, demonstrating his leadership skills at such a young age.
National Team Achievement: Scoring during his debut for the French senior team at the age of 17 reinforced his reputation as a generational talent, making him one of the youngest goal scorers in the history of French football.
Performance Metrics
The statistics of Zaïre-Emery highlight his exceptional talent and significant contributions on the field. During his inaugural season in Ligue 1, he participated in more than 20 matches, demonstrating his dependability and impact within PSG’s midfield. As of 2023, he has set the record as the youngest player to make an appearance for PSG and to find the net in a UEFA Champions League knockout game. His goal against Montpellier, scored at the age of 16 years and 330 days, crowned him as the youngest goalscorer in the history of the club.
At the international level, Zaïre-Emery has made a notable impact as well. Having earned several caps for the French senior national team, he became the second-youngest player to score for the country on his debut. Additionally, his leadership skills were evident as he took on the role of captain for the under-21 team.
Category |
Statistic |
Club Appearances (PSG) |
30+ matches |
Goals Scored (PSG) |
2 goals |
Youngest PSG Player |
16 years, 151 days |
Youngest PSG Goalscorer |
16 years, 330 days |
Youngest UCL Starter |
16 years, 343 days |
International Caps (France) |
3 senior caps |
International Goals (France) |
1 goal |
Youth Leadership |
Youngest U21 captain in 30 years |
Resilience & Comebacks
Zaïre-Emery’s journey has faced its share of difficulties. Juggling the high expectations of being a young football prodigy alongside the challenges of top-level football demanded considerable mental resilience. Nonetheless, he has continually risen to the challenge, making his first appearance for PSG’s senior team while simultaneously thriving at the youth level. His choice to stay with PSG, despite interest from prominent European clubs, reflects his dedication to personal development and loyalty to the team he grew up supporting.
His capacity to excel under pressure became apparent during the UEFA Youth League, where he remarkably influenced the outcomes of matches in favor of PSG. Successfully navigating the transition from youth to senior football, Zaïre-Emery demonstrated his skills by securing a starting position in one of the most competitive teams in Europe.
Legacy
Warren Zaïre-Emery’s influence on football goes beyond his record-setting achievements. As the youngest player and goalscorer in the history of PSG, he has motivated a new wave of aspiring footballers. His journey serves as a testament to the benefits of dedication, perseverance, and innate talent. At merely 17 years old, he represents the success of PSG’s youth development program and stands as a symbol of hope for the future of football in France.
On the international stage, his performances have established him as a key figure in France’s midfield. His role as captain of the under-21 team and his swift impact at the senior level emphasize his influence both on and off the field. Zaïre-Emery’s journey serves as a powerful example of how young players can push the limits of what can be accomplished at a young age.
Focusing on the Future
The future is bright for Zaïre-Emery. As he continues to grow, he is expected to establish himself as a key figure in PSG’s midfield and an essential player for the French national team. With his exceptional technical abilities, tactical awareness, and leadership skills, he is set to raise the standards in both domestic and international football.
Future goals include setting new records at PSG and leaving his imprint on significant tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. His ongoing development and dedication to excellence suggest that he is on track to be a strong candidate for prestigious individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or.
Zaïre-Emery's career is just starting, and the football community is excitedly looking forward to the achievements he will accomplish in the future.