sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Borussia Dortmund Wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko Says He Wanted To Quit Football At 15

Borussia Dortmund Wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko Says He Wanted To Quit Football At 15

"I didn't want to do this to myself anymore. I wanted to quit..."

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Borussia Dortmund youngster Youssoufa Moukoko wanted to quit football when he first burst onto the scene because of the incredible amount of pressure on his shoulders.

The talented forward was thrust into the limelight from an early age. Since joining the German club from St Pauli in 2016, he scored 141 goals in 88 appearances during his time in the BVB youth system.

He was then promoted to the first team at 15 and at the age of 16 years and 28 days, Moukoko became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history when he scored against FC Union Berlin in December.

Moukoko, who has been tipped to achieve great things in the future having signed a mega 10-year Nike deal worth ยฃ9 million, has already made 15 appearances for Dortmund's first team.

But behind the scenes, the Cameroon-born forward was struggling when he first arrived on the scene.

"In the beginning, the reports were very stressful for me, especially when my age was discussed," he told German publication WAZ in a recent interview.

"I didn't want to do this to myself anymore. I wanted to quit, but my trainer helped me a lot, he supported me. I could forget everything on the pitch."

The confident 16-year-old is now keen to improve on last season's numbers and break even more records.

"I want to accumulate more minutes than in my first season, score more goals, make more assists. I always want to be there when the team needs me.

"Of course it's going to be difficult. But I have to be confident in my abilities. I need playing time. I'm sure I will have more playing time."

It's safe to say the youngster doesn't lack any confidence on the pitch.

Plenty of people have taken notice of Moukoko's incredible rise in recent years, including six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, who gifted the teenager a present for his 15th birthday.

Moukoko took to Instagram to thank the Barcelona forward for sending a personalised picture to the Dortmund training ground.

He posted: "Oh my god! Got this as a gift from my idol. Many thanks, Leo Messi. Thanks for all your birthday wishes."

Featured Image Credit: Rising Ballers/Twitter - PA

Topics:ย Football, Youssoufa Moukoko, Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga