David Boly, PSG’s new Ivorian-born gem

At 17, the young right-back made a strong impression on his Champions League debut against Villarreal

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David Boly, PSG’s new Ivorian-born gem

03.11.26 FT Champions League

Villarreal

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain may have unearthed another talent from their academy. David Boly, a 17-year-old defender of Ivorian origin, enjoyed an exceptional evening against Villarreal. Introduced by Luis Enrique during Paris’s 6-0 victory, he made the most of his first Champions League minutes to score his first goal for the senior team.

European debut rewarded with a goal

In his first appearance in Europe’s most prestigious competition, David Boly wasted no time making an impression. In the 78th minute, the young right-back scored Paris’s sixth goal after being set up by João Neves.

It was a special achievement for a player who had made just two senior appearances before this match. In only his third game at senior level, he had already made his Champions League debut and opened his account. After the match, Boly explained how he experienced coming on.

As soon as Luis Enrique told me to warm up, I went into my own bubble. Then he told me I was going to come on, and I told him that I would do what I usually do: not be stressed and play my football.

João Neves, who provided the assist for the young Parisian’s goal, was particularly delighted for him:

It’s always a happy moment for us to see young players coming through. And I’m young myself, but he’s even younger.

He also praised Boly’s smile and attitude, while encouraging him to continue with the same intensity and mentality.

A talent already noticed at the academy

David Boly’s performances come as no surprise to those who regularly follow the PSG’s youth teams. The defender is particularly known for his athletic qualities, speed and ability to carry the ball down his flank while maintaining his balance.

🥹 Les mots de David BOLY 🇫🇷 (2009), après avoir marqué SON PREMIER BUT EN PROFESSIONNEL pour ses débuts en Ligue des champions 👇 : 🗣️ « Luis Enrique me dit d’aller m’échauffer. Ça veut dire que moi, je me mets directement dans ma bulle. (…) Je me suis dit que je vais faire comme d’habitude, comme je fais avec les jeunes, NE PAS ÊTRE STRESSÉ, JOUER MON FOOTBALL. Et ça a payé parce que je reçois le ballon de João Neves (…). Et je vois que ça rentre. Et voilà, C’ÉTAIT INCROYABLE, franchement. 🥹 Et tout ça, C’EST LE FRUIT DE MON TRAVAIL depuis trois années, depuis tout petit. (…) Faire mon entrée en Champions League comme ça, dans un match comme ça et pouvoir marquer, franchement, C’ÉTAIT INCROYABLE. Je remercie tout le monde, franchement, le coach, Luis Enrique, QUI M’A FAIT CONFIANCE. » ❤️💙 🎥 @Xparisnolimit https://t.co/85UsU8syef
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) November 4, 2026

His composure and decision-making in the final third are also valued qualities in this 17-year-old player. Following Ibrahim Mbaye, Senny Mayulu and Warren Zaïre-Emery, PSG could now see another product of their academy emerge.

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