A talent of Guinean descent writes history with Milan.. Cissé breaks a European record that stood for 67 years

Alphadjo Cissé made European football history on Thursday 15 October becoming the youngest Italian player to score a hat-trick in UEFA club competition as AC Milan defeated RB Salzburg 4-0 in the Europa League.

The 19 year old attacking midfielder, born in Italy to Guinean parents, produced a remarkable performance at the Red Bull Arena in Austria scoring 3 goal inside the opening 49 minute.

At just 19 year and 358 day old, Cissé established a new Italian record while helping Ruben Amorim's side recover from their opening Europa League defeat against Benfica.

His performance also took him to the top of the competition's scoring charts and earned him AC Milan's official Player of the Match award.

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Alphadjo Cissé scores perfect hat-trick against Salzburg

Cissé opened the scoring in the 15th minute, heading home a cross from Omari Hutchinson.

He doubled Milan's advantage in the 32nd minute, finishing with his left foot after Davide Bartesaghi's pass.

Four minutes after the interval, the youngster completed his hat-trick with a right footed effort following a delivery from Adrien Rabiot.

The three different finishes, header, left foot and right foot, completed a perfect hat-trick.

Gonçalo Ramos added Milan's fourth goal in the 72nd minute before Filippo Terracciano received a straight red card late in the match.

According to AC Milan's official match report, the victory represented the Rossoneri's first European success of the 2026 /27 season.

Cissé breaks historic Italian record at just 19

The Guinean descended midfielder's achievement extends beyond Milan's emphatic victory.

At 19 year and 358 day, Cissé became the youngest Italian man to score three or more goals in a single UEFA club competition match.

He surpassed the record established just two days earlier by Nicolò Tresoldi who scored three times for Club Brugge against Inter Milan in the Champions League at 22 year and 54 day.

Cissé also recorded the first hat-trick of the 2026 /27 Europa League campaign.

According to UEFA's official statistics, he now shares the competition's scoring lead with Ferencváros midfielder Kristoffer Zachariassen, both having scored three goals.

Speaking to Sky after the victory, Cissé played down the individual significance of his achievement.

"The most important thing today was to win" the youngster said.

Who is Alphadjo Cissé, the Milan star with Guinean roots?

Born in Treviso on 22 October 2006, to Guinean parents, Cissé developed through the youth systems of Giorgione and Hellas Verona.

He made his senior debut with Verona before gaining valuable experience at Catanzaro in Serie B.

His performances attracted interest from several European clubs, including PSV Eindhoven.

In January, reported PSV's interest in the Guinean descended midfielder, although the proposed move to the Netherlands did not materialise.

Instead, Milan secured his signature from Verona in February 2026 and allowed him to complete the season on loan at Catanzaro.

Cissé has represented Italy at several youth levels, including the U21 national team.

His Guinean background makes his development particularly interesting to African football followers, although no change of international allegiance has been announced.

What comes next for Cissé and AC Milan?

Cissé's hat-trick takes his tally to five goals for Milan this season, making him the club's leading scorer in the opening weeks.

He had already scored against Torino and Juventus, with his goal against Juventus coming from a Samuel Chukwueze assist.

His emergence is providing Amorim with another attacking option as Milan continue their domestic and European campaigns.

The Rossoneri return to Serie A action against Atalanta on Sunday, 18 October before travelling to face Bournemouth in the Europa League on 22 October.

For a player who was competing in Italy's second division last season, the record breaking performance represents a significant milestone in his rapid rise.

Cissé now has the opportunity to build on that achievement while his Guinean heritage ensures his progress will continue to attract attention beyond Italy.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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