The Rise of Senny Mayulu
In a stunning display of youthful exuberance, Senny Mayulu, a 19-year-old midfielder from Le Blanc-Mesnil on the outskirts of Paris, cemented his place in football history during the Champions League final. Just two weeks after celebrating his birthday, Mayulu found himself in the spotlight when he scored after just two minutes on the pitch, helping Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secure a decisive 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in Munich.
A Dream Realized
Having joined PSG’s academy as a 12-year-old, Mayulu has cultivated his talent through the ranks, showcasing his skills in grassroots football before making it to the prestigious club. He recalled the magic of that moment vividly, stating he felt like a child living out a dream – especially as he capitalized on an assist from teammate Bradley Barcola to send the ball into the net past Inter’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer.
This pivotal goal not only marked an incredible personal achievement for Mayulu, making him the second youngest player ever to score in a Champions League final, but it also stood as a symbol of the hard work that pays off after years of dedication.
Proving Potential
In the months leading up to this monumental match, Mayulu had already demonstrated his considerable potential in various competitions, such as his striking performance in the under-19 national title final against Auxerre and his first home start at Parc des Princes. After PSG’s league game in April 2024, PSG’s coach Luis Enrique praised Mayulu alongside his fellow academy product, Yoram Zague, emphasizing their significance to the club:
“They’re from here. They belong to us.”
Although Mayulu’s moment of triumph didn’t single-handedly determine the outcome against Inter, it illustrated the collaborative spirit that PSG is keen to cultivate. His focus on teamwork is further underlined by his own comments about the importance of winning in every match, regardless of individual accolades.
The Road Ahead
With roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mayulu now stands poised for further success as he prepares to represent France at the upcoming Maurice Revello tournament. Just a year prior, he signed a contract that secures his future at PSG through at least 2027 – a commitment he viewed as a significant achievement for both himself and his family.
Now, after fulfilling one of his childhood dreams, Mayulu’s story serves as a testament to both the rewards of perseverance and the unrestrained joy of youthful ambition. Embodying the spirit of the game, as he expressed after his goal, Mayulu showed that sometimes, even the most prepared players can embrace the glorious unpredictability of football with raw emotion and excitement.
