Premier League's youngest-ever player signed by Gary Lineker's Baller League team

The former youngest-ever player in Premier League history has been announced as a new signing by Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards for their Baller League team

Matthew Briggs, who became the youngest-ever Premier League player in May 2007, has been signed by Gary Lineker’s Baller League team.

Briggs made his senior debut for Fulham aged 16 years and 68 days and held the record for 12 years until Harvey Elliott made his debut at 16 years and 30 days, also for the Cottagers.

The left-back represented England across five youth categories as he caught the eye during the early stages of his career. However, Briggs failed to live up to the promise and spent the majority of his playing days in the Football League before dropping into non-league.

Briggs retired in 2023 after playing for Isthmian Premier League side Horsham but will return to the pitch in the six-a-side Baller League tournament, played at the Copper Box Arena in London and aired live on Sky Sports.

The former Guyana international has been signed by Deportrio, managed by Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

Briggs will play alongside former Premier League and Great Britain Olympic team striker Marvin Sordell, who plays for eighth-tier Isthmian League South Central Division club Rayners Lane.

After appearing on the scene at Fulham, Briggs made just 30 appearances for Fulham, spending loan spells at Leyton Orient, Peterborough United, Bristol City and Watford before making a permanent move to Millwall in 2014.

Briggs played for 16 clubs across his career before he retired at the age of 32.

The current holder of the Premier League’s youngest debutant is Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, who made his bow aged 15 years and 181 days.

Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga, who appeared as a substitute against Newcastle United last week, became the second youngest player at 15 years and 271 days. Briggs still remains fourth in the all-time list.