By Ollus Ndomu
Cameroonian-born German footballer Youssoufa Moukoko is at the center of an age scandal following claims from a man identified as his father, who alleges the player is four years older than his registered age.
Moukoko, officially listed as 20, is accused of being 24 in a revelation set to air on German TV channel ProSieben in a documentary titled “Tricks, Cheats, Deception – The Million Dollar Business with Football Talents.”
The allegations raise questions about Moukoko’s eligibility in past youth competitions. If proven true, the Borussia Dortmund striker, currently on loan at Nice, could have breached age limits for Germany’s U-21 team and Dortmund’s U-17 squad, where he gained prominence.
Moukoko, who became the youngest player to debut in the Bundesliga at 16, has yet to address the allegations publicly. The claims cast a shadow over his meteoric rise and the integrity of football’s systems for verifying player ages.
The documentary reportedly highlights wider issues within football’s talent pipeline, focusing on the lucrative nature of scouting and the potential for manipulation. It is expected to delve into how age discrepancies can give young players unfair advantages in youth competitions.
If the claims are substantiated, Moukoko could face significant consequences, including reputational damage and eligibility issues. The football world now awaits further details and potential investigations into the matter as it unfolds.
