Who is Younes Ibrahim? Brighton teenager claims assist seconds into dream debut
Brighton teenager Younes Ibrahim enjoyed an unforgettable introduction to first-team football as he provided an assist – just seconds into his debut – against FK Kauno Zalgiris.
The 18-year-old needed only a couple of touches to make his mark on Albion’s UEFA Conference League clash. He delivered a delightful cross for Matt O’Riley to head home, after 67 minutes.
With Brighton already leading 3-0, Ibrahim gad replaced Ibrahim Osman just second earlier. He wasted no time, at all, in showing why he had been given his opportunity.
His delivery invited a finish and O’Riley duly obliged, meeting the ball with an impressive header to put Albion four goals ahead.
It was a remarkable moment for the young midfielder, who went from waiting for his first-team chance to creating a European goal almost immediately.
Ibrahim’s instant impact followed an impressive start to the season for Albion’s development sides, with five goals and an assist in nine appearances before his first-team bow.
Albion were already in control when he was brought on at the Amex on Thursday night (October 15). Georginio Rutter had scored twice, and Jack Hinshelwood was also on target, before Ibrahim supplied another memorable moment on a productive evening for Brighton.
Who is Younes Ibrahim?
Ibrahim is a left-footed attacking midfielder who can also operate out wide and has been catching the eye in Brighton’s academy.
Born in Australia, with Egyptian and Moroccan heritage, he spent time in the youth systems at Luton Town and Chelsea before joining Albion.
His creative ability has already been evident for Brighton’s under-21s this season. He scored and provided an assist against Arsenal in August, before finding the net with a fine individual effort against Leicester in September.
He then demonstrated his quality from dead balls by scoring two direct free-kicks in a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup.
Ibrahim had also experienced a first-team matchday when he was an unused substitute in Brighton’s 5-0 Premier League victory at Coventry City last month.
This time, he got his chance – and delivered almost before he had time to settle.
There will be plenty more to learn as he makes the step into senior football, but first impressions scarcely come better than creating a goal with your first couple of touches on a European debut.