There was an Australian-born teenager on the bench in the Premier League overnight as Younes Ibrahim made his first appearance in Brighton and Hove Albion’s matchday squad.
Ibrahim was among the substitutes as Brighton showed no mercy in their 5-0 rout of newly-promoted Coventry City on Sunday.
It was the first time the 18-year-old wonderkid was on the bench for Brighton in the Premier League, two days after scoring a cracking goal for the club’s Under-21s.
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Ibrahim has scored one goal and supplied one assist across three matches across all competitions for Brighton’s youth teams in 2026-27, having finished with nine goals and five assists last season.
The teenager, who was born in Australia, is eligible to represent the Socceroos but also England where he relocated eight years ago, and Egypt and Morocco – through his heritage.
Ibrahim joined Brighton’s Under-15s before progressing through the U18 ranks and now the U21s.
In July, Ibrahim – who has previously spent time in Luton Town and Chelsea’s academies – signed his first professional contract with the club.
Academy manager Ian Buckman said in July: “This is an exciting time for both the players and their families. It’s recognition of the hard work that they’ve put in during their time in the academy so far.
“Now they have to grasp the opportunities presented to them to ensure they continue to develop and learn, as they have proved they are capable of doing up to this point.”
Two stunning free-kicks from Younes Ibrahim secured our MU18s a point against Arsenal! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/5nBQaBygoY
— Brighton & Hove Albion Academy (@BHAFC_Academy) September 29, 2025
