Metz's Thill becomes first 2000s-born player to make Ligue 1 debut
When Vincent Thill came on in the 82nd minute of Metz's 3-0 home defeat to Bordeaux on Wednesday, the Luxembourg international became the first player born in the 2000s to make a Ligue 1 appearance.
Thill, who progressed from Metz's academy after joining the club in 2012, has made two appearances for the reserves this season prior to his debut at Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Vincent #Thill est le 1er joueur né dans les années 2000 à jouer en @Ligue1 et dans l'un des 5 grands championnats européens ! pic.twitter.com/yb1YYkD5rj
— FC Metz (@FCMetz) September 22, 2016
At 16 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Thill is the youngest player to make his Ligue 1 debut this calendar year, topping Toulouse 'keeper Alban Lafont, who first appeared last season as a 17-year-old.
Here's a look at the burgeoning company the three-time capped international striker has joined:
| Player | Club | Debut | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vincent Thill | Metz | Sept. 21 2016 | 16 years 7 months 17 days |
| Alban Lafont | Toulouse | Aug. 14 2016 | 17 years 6 months 22 days |
| Malang Sarr | Nice | Aug. 14 2016 | 17 years 6 months 22 days |
| Kylian Mbappe | Monaco | Aug 12 2016 | 17 years 7 months 23 days |
And here's a look at where Thill sits among the youngest players to make their Ligue 1 debuts since the 1980-81 campaign:
| Player | Club | Debut | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Rafetraniaina | Nice | Oct. 6 2012 | 16 years 27 days |
| Neal Maupay | Nice | Sept. 15 2012 | 16 years 1 month 1 days |
| Bilal Boutobba | Marseille | Dec. 14 2012 | 16 years 3 months 15 days |
| M'Baye Niang | SM Caen | Apr. 24 2011 | 16 years 4 months 5 days |
| Allan Saint-Maximin | Saint-Etienne | Sept. 1 2013 | 16 years 5 months 20 days |
| Vincent Thill | Metz | Sept. 21 2016 | 16 years 7 months 17 days |