Italian football fans have long awaited the emergence of a new superstar — a player capable of rekindling the glory days of Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero, and Francesco Totti. That player might just be Francesco Camarda, the 17-year-old AC Milan striker who continues to rewrite the record books and capture the imagination of the football world.
Born in Milan and nurtured by the club since the age of seven, Camarda has developed into one of Europe’s most talked-about teenage talents. With his composure, raw strength, and ice-cold finishing, he is being hailed as Italy’s next great striker.
Breaking Records Before Turning 18
At just 17 years, six months, and 18 days, Camarda made history by scoring his first Serie A goal while on loan at Lecce in September 2025. It made him the youngest goalscorer in Lecce’s history and continued his extraordinary rise through Italian football.
This wasn’t his first record-breaking moment. In November 2023, under former Milan coach Stefano Pioli, Camarda became the youngest player ever to debut in Serie A, appearing at only 15 years, eight months, and 13 days. The Italian Football Federation had to grant Milan special permission, as players under 16 are typically barred from top-flight football.
He later became AC Milan’s youngest-ever Champions League player when he featured against Club Brugge at just 16 years and 226 days old — scoring a goal that was narrowly ruled out by VAR.
Shining for Italy’s Under-21s
This year, Camarda made headlines again when he scored for Italy’s Under-21 national team, becoming the youngest player ever to find the net for the Azzurrini. His debut goal — a composed Panenka penalty against Sweden — showcased his technical brilliance and fearless mindset.
“Inside the box, he’s a phenomenon,” said Massimiliano Favo, Italy’s U21 coach, who also guided Camarda to victory at the 2024 U17 European Championship. “His ruthlessness, positioning, and intelligence are beyond his years.”
Favo’s faith in the young striker was rewarded when Camarda scored four goals in that tournament, including a brace in the final against Portugal and a decisive penalty in the shootout win over England. He was named Player of the Tournament, solidifying his reputation as the crown jewel of Italy’s next generation.
Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Influence and Maldini’s Protection
Camarda’s idol growing up was Zlatan Ibrahimović, and their paths have intriguingly intertwined. After Camarda scored his first Serie A goal, Ibrahimović posted on Instagram a screenshot of a message the young striker had sent him in 2019, proudly calling himself “a Milan striker.” He was only 10 years old at the time.
Camarda has openly credited Ibrahimović as one of his biggest inspirations, saying:
“I admired him a lot, and still do. I’ve learned so much from watching him play.”
Meanwhile, former Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who oversaw Camarda’s early development at the club, ensured the youngster was shielded from external pressures. When Camarda — still unsigned at 16 — scored against the first team in a training match, Maldini immediately ordered the cameras to stop recording, not wanting rival clubs to spot his potential.
That cautious approach paid off. Milan successfully fended off interest from Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Manchester City, tying Camarda down with a professional contract until 2028.
The Complete Forward in the Making
According to coaches and scouts, what sets Camarda apart is his blend of maturity, anticipation, and instinctive positioning. Former Milan academy director Angelo Carbone remembers spotting his potential at a youth trial:
“He did things with incredible simplicity — his movement, his awareness, and his body control were exceptional. You could tell immediately he was different.”
Camarda’s current coach at Lecce, Eusebio Di Francesco, has given him the space to adapt to senior football. Despite being surrounded by older teammates, Camarda’s mentality and confidence have impressed everyone. He plays with the calmness of a seasoned professional but carries the hunger of a rising star.
Grounded Ambitions and Family Support
Despite the hype, Camarda remains grounded. His family moved from Milan to Lecce to support him through his loan spell, ensuring stability during this crucial phase of development.
“People say I’m destined for greatness,” Camarda said modestly. “I don’t think about it. I just focus on enjoying my football — the rest will come naturally.”
With more than 500 goals at youth level, his numbers are staggering, but his humility and discipline are what keep him on course.
Italy’s Future in Safe Hands
At just 17, Francesco Camarda already holds records that few professionals achieve in their entire careers. Whether it’s scoring on his Serie A debut, leading Italy’s youth teams to glory, or earning praise from legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović, his journey is only just beginning.
Italy and AC Milan may have found their next generational talent — one capable of defining the Azzurri’s next decade. For now, the football world watches closely as this teenage prodigy continues to grow, develop, and edge closer to becoming the face of Italian football’s future.
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