Portugal teenager Renato Sanches has certainly been making a name for himself recently.
The 18 year old rose to prominence with Benfica last season, and despite a long courtship by Manchester United, he ended up being snapped up for over €35m by German giants Bayern Munich last month.
The midfielder has been making a big impression in his substitute appearances with the Portuguese national side at Euro 2016, and many were delighted when it was announced that he was to start in tonight’s quarter final against Poland.
The wonderkid has certainly repaid the faith shown in him by Portugal manager Fernando Santos, as his cracking strike has cancelled out new clubmate Robert Lewandowski’s opener:
Sanches combined brilliantly with Nani on the edge of the Polish before delivering a brilliant finish, and though it took a deflection, that should not take away from the quality of the strike.
It was the first international goal of what is sure to be an outstanding career for the young sensation.
Took deflection but 18 year old Renato Sanches showing why Bayern have paid the big bucks for him. #star #POLPOR
— Lynsey Hipgrave (@lynseyhipgrave1) June 30, 2016
18y 316d – Renato Sanches is the youngest player to score in a knockout stage game at the Euros. Arrival. #POR #Euro2016
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 30, 2016
Manchester United fans taking in Renato Sanches’ #POR goal. #Euro2016 pic.twitter.com/PCvPbJQXw7
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) June 30, 2016
Jose Mourinho watching Renato Sanches light up #EURO2016 https://t.co/GFPmUig2fv pic.twitter.com/BxUvgL6RIR
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 30, 2016
GOAL! 33′
Absolute screamer from Renato #Sanches to equalise at 1-1! Pleased with his signing, @FCBayernEN fans?#POLPOR #Euro2016
— Bundesliga (@Bundesliga_EN) June 30, 2016
Huge deflection, but a great goal by Renato Sanches. 18 years old, man.. Could be witnessing the start of a huge career.
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) June 30, 2016
Renato Sanches is only 18. Good call to start him.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) June 30, 2016
Well that was a heck of an arrival on the scene. Welcome to stardom Renato Sanchez.
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) June 30, 2016
The score remains 1-1 and finely balanced in what has been a very good first half.