Aden McCarthy has written his name into South African football history.
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender became the seventh South African-born player to score in the UEFA Champions League, joining a select group that includes some of the country’s most accomplished footballers.
McCarthy achieved the milestone while representing Sabah FK against Borussia Dortmund, scoring his first goal for the Turkish club despite Sabah ultimately suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Bundesliga giants.
At just 22, the centre-back now finds himself among an exclusive list of South African-born players who have found the back of the net in Europe’s premier club competition.
McCarthy Joins an Exclusive Champions League Club
McCarthy’s goal came during his third Champions League appearance for Sabah, adding a significant moment to what is still an early chapter in his European career.
His achievement is particularly notable because the list of South African-born Champions League goalscorers includes players who enjoyed distinguished careers at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The most prolific South African-born scorer in the competition remains Benni McCarthy, who leads the group with eight Champions League goals.
The Seven South African-Born Champions League Goalscorers
- Benni McCarthy — 8 goals
- Steven Pienaar — 2 goals
- Quinton Fortune — 2 goals
- Bennet Mnguni — 1 goal
- Nassief Morris — 1 goal
- Thulani Serero — 1 goal
- Aden McCarthy — 1 goal
McCarthy’s arrival on the list also ends a long wait for a new South African-born name.
Before the Sabah defender’s breakthrough, Thulani Serero was the most recent South African-born player to score in the Champions League. Serero found the net for Ajax against Barcelona in 2013 as the Dutch side recorded a memorable 2-1 victory.
More than a decade later, McCarthy has added his name to the same piece of Champions League history.
From Kaizer Chiefs to the Champions League
McCarthy’s journey makes the achievement even more significant.
The young defender came through the South African football system before making the move abroad, and his Champions League goal represents another milestone in his progression.
Scoring against one of Europe’s biggest clubs provides him with a memorable moment on the continental stage and could prove an important step in his development.
At 22, there is also plenty of time for McCarthy to add to his tally and potentially climb the list.
Who Will Be the Next South African-Born Goalscorer?
With McCarthy now on the board, attention turns to which South African-born player could become the eighth name on the list.
South Africa continues to produce players attempting to establish themselves in European football, meaning the exclusive seven-man group could eventually grow.
For now, however, McCarthy has earned his place alongside Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Quinton Fortune, Bennet Mnguni, Nassief Morris and Thulani Serero.
One Champions League goal has made him part of a very select piece of South African football history.
Aden McCarthy has written his name into South African football history.
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender became the seventh South African-born player to score in the UEFA Champions League, joining a select group that includes some of the country’s most accomplished footballers.
McCarthy achieved the milestone while representing Sabah FK against Borussia Dortmund, scoring his first goal for the Turkish club despite Sabah ultimately suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Bundesliga giants.
At just 22, the centre-back now finds himself among an exclusive list of South African-born players who have found the back of the net in Europe’s premier club competition.
McCarthy Joins an Exclusive Champions League Club
McCarthy’s goal came during his third Champions League appearance for Sabah, adding a significant moment to what is still an early chapter in his European career.
His achievement is particularly notable because the list of South African-born Champions League goalscorers includes players who enjoyed distinguished careers at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The most prolific South African-born scorer in the competition remains Benni McCarthy, who leads the group with eight Champions League goals.
The Seven South African-Born Champions League Goalscorers
- Benni McCarthy — 8 goals
- Steven Pienaar — 2 goals
- Quinton Fortune — 2 goals
- Bennet Mnguni — 1 goal
- Nassief Morris — 1 goal
- Thulani Serero — 1 goal
- Aden McCarthy — 1 goal
McCarthy’s arrival on the list also ends a long wait for a new South African-born name.
Before the Sabah defender’s breakthrough, Thulani Serero was the most recent South African-born player to score in the Champions League. Serero found the net for Ajax against Barcelona in 2013 as the Dutch side recorded a memorable 2-1 victory.
More than a decade later, McCarthy has added his name to the same piece of Champions League history.
From Kaizer Chiefs to the Champions League
McCarthy’s journey makes the achievement even more significant.
The young defender came through the South African football system before making the move abroad, and his Champions League goal represents another milestone in his progression.
Scoring against one of Europe’s biggest clubs provides him with a memorable moment on the continental stage and could prove an important step in his development.
At 22, there is also plenty of time for McCarthy to add to his tally and potentially climb the list.
Who Will Be the Next South African-Born Goalscorer?
With McCarthy now on the board, attention turns to which South African-born player could become the eighth name on the list.
South Africa continues to produce players attempting to establish themselves in European football, meaning the exclusive seven-man group could eventually grow.
For now, however, McCarthy has earned his place alongside Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Quinton Fortune, Bennet Mnguni, Nassief Morris and Thulani Serero.
One Champions League goal has made him part of a very select piece of South African football history.
