Four years ago, Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez was playing Sunday league football in England.
Fast-forward to last night: now playing for French giants Lyon, the 17-year-old sensation scored his first goal in the Europa League against PAOK FC.
He’s the third-youngest scorer for Lyon in the 21st century at 17 years, 10 months, and 18 days.
He makes up the top three with Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and Premier League cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa.
The goal
In the 92nd minute, with Lyon leading 3-2, Rodriguez burst through the PAOK defense.
He carried the ball down the right-hand side before intelligently chopping the ball back past the oncoming defender.
Rodriguez coolly finished past the advancing goalkeeper for his first professional goal.
Not only did Rodriguez create history for Lyon last night, but Remi Hibert also netted his first pro goal, adding to the club’s memorable evening.
He’s fourth on the youngest players to score for Lyon in the 21st century list, going one place ahead of Karim Benzema.
This season, he has played in three Europa League games and once in the Coupe de France.
The journey
Rodriguez was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on March 11, 2008.
He moved to England at the age of 10 with the help of his uncle, who was already living there.
The young striker couldn’t get the break he initially hoped for when he moved to the country, playing for the Sunday league team Eastleigh Tornados.
Southampton knew of his ability before moving to England, but they had to sign him after his staggering grassroots record.
He scored 334 goals in 136 games at Sunday league level, forcing the Saints’ hand in 2022.
Playing for Southampton
The step up to academy level was no problem for the Venezuelan native, who scored 65 goals in his first year at the club, playing from the under-15s to the under-18s.
While still only 15 at the time, Rodriquez was fast-tracked to the under-21’s team, scoring an incredible half-volley on his Premier League 2 debut against Tottenham Hotspur.
In less than two years, Rodriguez became a sought-after talent and earned international call-ups.
International career
He’s played for England at U15, U16, U17, and U18 levels, while also representing Portugal at U15s through his Grandad and Venezuela’s U17s.
Rodriguez was selected for the England U17 squad for the 2025 European Championships.
He ended England’s disappointing tournament with four goals in three games against Italy, Belgium, and the Czech Republic.
At the pace he is going, the Lyon forward could have all three countries desperate to have him on their men’s squad.
Move to Lyon
Southampton tried to secure him, but Rodriguez explored other opportunities.
Chelsea and Manchester City pursued him, but he chose Lyon.
France is now a proving ground for young football talent.
Read More: Manchester United stepping up chase for Rennes wonderkid Kader Meite
Rodrigues scored 12 goals in 22 games for the Lyon reserves and U19 team last season, earning a first-team call-up.
On May 5, 2025, the teenage sensation made his professional debut, coming off the bench in a 2-1 loss to Lens in Ligue 1.
This season, he has seen more action in cup competitions, and his goal will boost his confidence and help him keep excelling.