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Former Manchester United academy star Mateo Mejia made his senior debut for Sevilla at the weekend in a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao.
The 21 year old joined United’s youth academy in 2019 from Real Zaragoza.
The striker has been described as an “animal” by his former coaches due to his physical strength and was highly rated at one point at the club.
The Colombian’s career at Carrington was hampered massively by injuries however, especially a serious one to his ankle.
This heavily restricted his chances of gametime and despite signing a new deal in June 2023, he left for Sevilla Atlético, the Andalusian’s reserve side in January this year.
The 21 year old has impressed for Sevilla’s second side this campaign, scoring three goals and grabbing one assist in five Primera Federación games this season.
Such has been the progress of the youngster that he made his senior debut last weekend as Sevilla drew 1-1 away to Athletic Bilbao in the Basque Country.
He played the final 10 minutes of action, winning a ground and aerial duel and local paper Diario de Sevilla have claimed the forward “decisively” burst onto the scene in the league match.
The Spanish paper praised his role in Alex Padilla’s 93rd minute equaliser and claimed that he has made much more of an impact than the experienced summer signing of Kelechi Iheanacho.
Debut en Primera División ✔️
Debut con el primer equipo del Sevilla FC ✔️👏🏼 ¡Enhorabuena, Mateo! #AthleticSevillaFC pic.twitter.com/YxFeOqWdeG
— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) September 30, 2024
Posting on Instagram after the match Mejia commented, “my dream debut in the First Division, and what a beautiful feeling to do it with the colors of Sevilla FC.”
He asserted he was “immensely grateful” for the opportunity and that he “will continue giving everything for this shield and these colors.”
Mejia will be hoping to build on this landmark moment in the Sevillian derby against Real Betis this Sunday afternoon.
Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images
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