In a historic moment for Leicester City, 15-year-old Jeremy Monga made his Premier League debut during the team’s 3-0 loss to Newcastle United on Monday, becoming the second-youngest player in the competition’s history. However, the young star was forced to take the pitch wearing a blank shirt due to gambling sponsorship regulations.
Monga, who entered the game as a substitute in the 74th minute, clocked in at 15 years and 271 days old, trailing only Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted at 15 years and 181 days in September 2022.
The England Under-16 winger’s landmark appearance was marred by an unusual kit situation stemming from Leicester’s home kit sponsor, BC.GAME, an online cryptocurrency gaming platform.
Under a 2020 review of the Gambling Act 2005, which the Premier League adheres to, players under 18 are prohibited from wearing kits featuring gambling sponsors. As a result, Monga donned a plain shirt for his brief stint on the field.
The debutant has been a regular for Leicester’s Under-18s and Under-23s this season and has also made three appearances in the Football League Trophy. He was previously an unused substitute in the Foxes’ 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Manchester United in February. Monga’s historic debut marks a significant milestone in his promising career, despite the unconventional attire required for the occasion.