Just 19 days after making his Bundesliga debut, Bayer Leverkusen substitute Florian Wirtz has become the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history.
Wirtz came off the bench in the second half and struck paydirt on 89 minutes to have his name added to the record books at just 17 years and 34 days old.
Although his effort couldn’t prevail to prevent Bayern Munich’s relentless march towards another league title, the young attacking midfielder wrong-footed Bayern’s Lucas Hernandez – the most expensive player in the league – before he cooly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer inside the far post for the game’s final goal.
“A big talent here in Germany, a really good player and he has great technique,” Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said during a video conference call.
“We are really happy to have the biggest talent at his age here in Leverkusen.”
Wirtz is 48 days younger than previous record-holder Nuri Sahin, who scored for Borussia Dortmund against Nuremberg on November 26, 2005.
The next youngest Bundesliga goalscorers after Sahin are Julian Draxler, Timo Werner and American Christian Pulisic.
Bayern won 4-2 to maintain their seven-point lead over Borussia Dortmund, who beat Hertha Berlin 1-0 in Saturday’s late game, while Leverkusen are fifth.
Kingsley Coman, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry turned the game in Bayern’s favour before the break after Lucas Alario’s 10th minute opener.
Robert Lewandowski then ensured victory for the visitors on 66 minutes with his 30th goal of the campaign before Wirtz netted his historic goal.
Bayern need only six points from their remaining four games to confirm their 30th German top-flight championship.