Teenage striker Brian Madjo scored on his Aston Villa debut in a UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, marking an end to an eight-month wait for competitive game time. Villa had been seeking to register the 17-year-old since his arrival from Metz at the beginning of the year.
The club faced challenges registering Madjo, who stands at 6ft 4in, as under-18 players typically cannot complete international transfers. Aston Villa argued for an exemption, citing Madjo's London birth, despite his three friendly appearances for Luxembourg. Since those matches, Madjo has represented England at the under-17 level, scoring four goals in nine appearances.
FIFA regulations allow certain exemptions for minor players transferring within the European Union, but the UK's departure from the EU complicated Madjo's situation. The registration issue was resolved just eight days prior to the match after Villa pursued the case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July. Consequently, Madjo was added to the traveling squad for the game against PSG.
With Ollie Watkins rested after World Cup duties and Tammy Abraham on the bench, manager Unai Emery gave Madjo the start up front, following his four pre-season goals. Madjo scored his debut goal by volleying in John McGinn's cross, holding off defender Willian Pacho. This goal equalized Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's opener for PSG, though PSG eventually secured a second-half winner.
Emery praised Madjo's performance, highlighting his work rate, defensive commitment, and tactical discipline. "He played because he was showing us his capacity to work and be demanding," Emery stated. "It is not just about scoring goals, it's about defending and how he has the commitment and discipline tactically. He was doing that."
The club has been seeking a new striker, with Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea having been a summer target. Madjo's availability now provides Emery with an additional option. Aston Villa is scheduled to begin their Premier League season at Brighton on August 23.
Former Villa striker Dion Dublin commented on Madjo's resilience, noting his ability to recover from missed chances and continue to seek scoring opportunities. "I saw Brian Madjo, he had his hands on his head for a couple of seconds and then he got into another scoring position," Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He was brave enough to get back into that scoring position and if he keeps missing it's not frightening him."
Madjo and fellow young forward George Hemmings were given opportunities against PSG, as Emery opted not to rush the return of players like Watkins, Emi Martinez, and Ezri Konsa, who were given a month off following the World Cup. Martinez played in the World Cup final for Argentina, while Watkins and Konsa helped England to a third-place finish.
Martinez is expected to remain with Villa despite interest from Juventus, while the future of defender Ezri Konsa remains uncertain amid pursuit from Arsenal. Aston Villa has already seen players like Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans depart.