The world has a new teenage football sensation. Bayern Munich’s generational talent, Lennart Karl, made history on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League against Sporting CP, scoring a sublime goal that cemented his place in the competition’s record books.
Aged just 17 years and 290 days, Karl officially became the youngest player ever to score in three consecutive Champions League matches, surpassing the record previously held by Kylian Mbappé (18 years, 113 days) in 2017.
The Three-Game Hot Streak
Karl's record-breaking run is a testament to his elite technique and composure, traits rarely seen in a player still in his teens.
His three consecutive goals all came in crucial League Phase fixtures:
Goal 1 (vs. Club Brugge): The strike that initially broke Jamal Musiala's record as Bayern's youngest UCL scorer, establishing his place in the first team.
Goal 2 (vs. Arsenal): An excellent effort in a high-pressure encounter against one of the tournament favorites, proving his quality on the biggest stage.
Goal 3 (vs. Sporting CP): The history-making goal. Karl's goal in the second half put Bayern ahead (2-1) in a tight game, helping inspire the team to a 3-1 comeback victory and sealing his record.
The Messi and Ronaldo Comparison
The significance of this record is only heightened when considering the legends Karl has leapfrogged.
Not even the greatest goalscorers of the generation, Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, reached this milestone at such a tender age.
For Karl to achieve this level of consistent goal-scoring output while still navigating the complexities of academy life underlines the belief that Bayern Munich has a truly special talent on their hands.
Vincent Kompany's Faith Rewarded
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has shown immense faith in the young playmaker this season, and that commitment is now paying huge dividends.
Kompany has given Karl regular minutes, even starting him in crucial European fixtures, a move that contrasts sharply with managers at other elite clubs who often hesitate to give teenagers such responsibility.
"It's very special for me to score in the Champions League at 17," Karl said after the match. "I'm very proud of myself and happy that I could help the team."
Lennart Karl is not just setting records; he is changing the way we look at German football's next generation.
The world has been put on notice: the new UCL scoring king is here, and he wears the famous red of FC Bayern.
What is the ceiling for Lennart Karl? Is he destined for Ballon d’Or contention?