14-Year-Old Debuts for Cruz Azul

By: Martha | January 7th, 2008

Martin Galvin Tucked away in the excitement of Cruz Azul’s first-ever InterLiga win Saturday was the fact that Martin Galvan made his debut in the 85th minutes of the 1-0 defeat of Monterrey. Who’s Martin Galvan? He’s a member of Mexico’s U-17 team who also happens to be just 14 years old — not surprisingly, his appearance made him Cruz Azul’s youngest-ever player.

Galvan, who Wikipedia says was invited to Barcelona for a trial as a 13-year-old but couldn’t make the trip (Wow. That sucks kind of a lot.), was apparently good in what, with the addition of injury time, was nine whole minutes on the pitch. Granted, he’s listed at 5′6″ and probably weighs about 75 pounds so he was easy to move off the ball, but the official InterLiga site — which would never, ever lie — says the kid “showed strong ball skills, decent ideas and plenty of energy,” which is probably all you can ask for the debut of an infant.

Whether he’ll wilt under the pressure and disappear is anyone’s guess but, damn, what a day that must have been. Forget the U-17s, Galvan’s a professional freaking footballer now! When I was 14, I’m pretty sure I was still doing chores for a few bucks a week and trying to figure out how to safely operate a gym locker.

[image and link via MachoChip]

Some Related Stories:

Category: South America, World Football

« Photo of the Day: It’s All About the Benjamins | Home | Serious Soccer Freestyle Skills »

The Offside RSS Feeds

Luiz

I sense a little of negativity from the U.S. and Europe regarding the debut of a 14-year-old from Mexico. While it is true he is nothing like Maradona or Pele, I think it is a positive initiative by the Mexican team. If the kid sucks he will disappear, but if he has potential, debuting at an early age can be very beneficial for him.
Alex

to tell you the truth...this was just to get into the news...this past year another team (pachuca, in the same league) also put out a 15 year old on the field...this doesnt mean that there all great players (mayb in the future) but it does mean that we are talking about it...and thats what they want..dont b suprised if a younger kid makes it on later
Martha

If only I had minimal photoshopping skills, ben, he'd have been gone, I assure you.
ben

That mascot guy in the background will haunt my nightmares.