According to research, Tyler Bindon, a defender for Reading, has played more minutes in world football this season than any other adolescent.
In his first season as a professional, the 19-year-old, who moved to Berkshire in 2023, has made over 60 appearances for the team and placed in the top three of the Player of the Season poll.
With his father playing international volleyball and his mother Jenny playing international football, Bindon comes from a sports family and is the newest member of his country’s national team.
Bindon’s climb has been swift; he is now a full international with New Zealand, having scored his first goals over the weekend and taking the helm for the first time last month.
According to the most recent data released by the CIES Football Observatory, Bindon has played 4,804 minutes, which is the most of any kid in the history of football.
The star of Spain’s 2024 European Championship squad, Lamine Yamal (4486), comes in third, followed by Ajax’s Jorrel Hato (4580).
The top 10 also includes Tottenham Hotspur teenager Archie Grey (3805) and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo (3686).
Andre Garcia (16) and Basil Tuma (19), both adolescents, join Bindon as regulars in the first team, both of whom are still making an impression under Ruben Selles.
