He just finished high school, but Axl Key made his debut with the Real Monarchs last night. At 13 years and 282 days old, he became the youngest athlete ever to compete in an American professional game.
What did you do when you were 13 years old?
Well, Axel Kei made his professional debut in the NFL’s Second Division last night.
The striker was allowed to fill a watch for Real Monácourt, the second division of the first division Real Salt Lake.
With 13 years and 282 days, Kei has made history. He not only became the youngest professional soccer player in the United States, but also became the youngest athlete on the court.
However, he is not the youngest professional footballer around the world. In 2009, Mauricio Baldivieso joined Bolivian first division club Club Aurora at the age of twelve. By the way, it was his father who coached the team at that time.
Kei’s story is reminiscent of Freddy Addo’s infamous career. Known as “The New Pele”, the striker made his MLS debut at the age of 14 and immediately signed a lucrative contract with Nike.
However, the high expectations were not fulfilled. At first, the American player went to the Portuguese club Benfica, but then his way went mainly through obscure European clubs. 32-year-old Adu is currently without an employer.
I hope things get better for Kei.
