Shamrock Rovers incredible Europa Conference League run continued with a 1-0 win away to Molde in Norway and 16-year-old Michael Noonan was the star of the show.
Rovers boss Stephen Bradley gave strong backing to Noonan ahead of the fixture, stating that he was in no doubt that the teenager would be ready for such a challenge.
Sometimes you know when you’re speaking to younger players where their head is at and I always felt Michael was in a good place... I’ve no doubt he’s ready to play."
So it proved and Noonan was involved in the game's big moments, first playing a key part in the incident that led to Molde's Valdemar Lund getting his marching orders.
Noonan used his pace to get in behind from a through ball and defender Lund lunged in on the youngster, giving the referee no choice but to send him off.
Rovers took full advantage after the restart and it was Noonan who supplied the finishing touch to give the League of Ireland side the lead.
Dylan Watts pressed Mats Moeller Daehli well in the Molde box and then squared the ball across to Noonan who prodded the ball home from close range.
The moment 16-year-old Michael Noonan gave Shamrock Rovers the lead vs Molde! 🔥pic.twitter.com/XLHtOhYqbq
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 13, 2025
Michael Noonan broke incredible European record
Prominent football journalist Fabrizio Romano has given context to Noonan's goal, with the Irish teenager breaking a record previously held by Romelu Lukaku.
The Dubliner, aged 16 years and 197 days, has reportedly become the youngest ever goalscorer in a major European soccer competition.
⭐️🇮🇪 Michael Noonan makes history as Shamrock Rovers became the youngest goalscorer in European club competition history after scoring vs Molde tonight.
16 years and 197 days old, beating Lukaku’s record. pic.twitter.com/tOt01hfsFi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2025
Lukaku had held the record of 16 years and 278 days. Incredible stuff.
In doing so, he leads a list which also includes young Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal and teammate Ansu Fati.
Teammate Pico Lopes paid tribute to Noonan after the win, saying: "He has been amazing. To lead the line at 16 in a major European competition is absolutely fantastic. It shows the maturity and character he has."
They are just halfway through the tie but Rovers will know that they can secure their place in the last 16 of the competition if they avoid defeat.
They will be without both Watts and defender Daniel Cleary however after both men picked up yellow cards in the win.
UPDATE: It appears that Nii Lamprey, who scored in the Anderlecht - Roma European Cup in 1991 was marginally younger than Noonan.
Still, second youngest isn't bad.
