After the UEFA Super Cup match on 12/8, Madjo attracted significant attention. European media and the public questioned how a 17-year-old striker, playing his first official match for Aston Villa, could dominate Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, two of the world's best central defenders.

The statistics also supported the young player. He threatened the reigning Champions League winner's goal five times, scoring one goal and achieving 71% passing accuracy. According to experts, with more experienced finishing and ball control, the teenager could have scored a hat-trick and helped Aston Villa avoid the 1-2 defeat.

Madjo (right) gets past Pacho to score in the UEFA Super Cup match, PSG 2-1 Aston Villa, in Salzburg, Austria on 12/8. *Photo: AP*

Spectators could easily recognize Madjo's physique as one of his strengths. Though not yet an adult, he weighs approximately 100 kg, stands 1.93 m tall, and has a body fat percentage below 7.5%. Many social media users likened Madjo to a "rock" that opponents would rather avoid colliding with.

Beyond winning physical duels, Madjo also demonstrated good touch, off-ball movement, finishing, tackling, and contested play with his back to goal. These qualities have led to comparisons between the 17-year-old player and Romelu Lukaku, a striker with a similar physique who holds the record for 93 goals for the Belgium national team.

Madjo was born in London, England, to a Cameroonian family. His father, Guy, had a respectable career with lower-league teams such as Bristol City, Forest Green Rovers, Stevenage, Port Vale, and Plymouth Argyle.

Growing up, Madjo and his family moved to Luxembourg, where he began playing football. He then moved to France to join the Metz academy in 2023. After being discovered by Aston Villa in August 2025, Madjo returned to England within a few months for a transfer fee of 12 million USD.

Madjo might not have scored against PSG without a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Following his transfer earlier this year, he was only permitted to play in training and friendly matches, as he was barred from official registration. Because Madjo had played three matches for the Luxembourg national team, FIFA, the world football governing body, considered him a foreign player, making him ineligible for registration in England before turning 18.

Aston Villa appealed, arguing that Madjo was born in England and had played for the England U17 team since August 2025. According to regulations, a player under 21 who has played a maximum of three matches for one national team can still switch to another. Three days before the UEFA Super Cup match, CAS ruled in favor of Aston Villa.

"Clearly, he had to be very patient to be able to play", said teammate Tyrone Mings. "That speaks to his character. He is young, but very strong".

With Madjo starting, scoring, and breaching the reigning Champions League winner's net in his first official match, Aston Villa could hardly ask for more from a 17-year-old player. Even Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, two players who emerged at a very young age, took several months to score their first club goals.

Looking ahead, Madjo still has a long way to prove his abilities in the Premier League and the Champions League. Furthermore, the teenager needs to secure a spot playing for the England national team. However, with the guidance of Unai Emery, a coach who has fostered the careers of Morgan Rogers and many other stars, Madjo only needs to continue his efforts.

Thanh Quy (according to Marca)