Madjo shines on Aston Villa debut after eight-month fight for registration

Brian Madjo finally had his moment. Eight months after arriving from Metz for £10 million, the 17-year-old marked his competitive debut for Aston Villa in the Super Cup against PSG with a goal, though the English side fell 2-1 in Salzburg on Wednesday, according to BBC Sport.

The young striker's journey had been turbulent. FIFA had blocked his registration as a minor in an international transfer, but Villa appealed, arguing his London birth entitled him to an exemption, and won their case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) just eight days ago. After friendly appearances for Luxembourg, Madjo switched to England Under-17, where he has four goals in nine appearances.

Against PSG, champions of the last two Champions Leagues, Madjo showed his quality. He scored by holding off Ecuador's Willian Pacho to volley in John McGinn's cross, cancelling out Kvaratskhelia's opener. He had earlier missed a three-yard header and a shot, but his constant pressure troubled captain Marquinhos throughout. Manager Unai Emery praised his defensive work and tactical discipline beyond scoring.