Rarely has the phrase “he looked about 12″ been so close to the mark.
Celtic under-20s fielded 13-year-old Karamoko Kader Dembele on Monday night. That’s right – 13.
13-year-old Karamoko Dembele was subbed on for Celtic U20's last night. Must be some player #CelticFC #mmlove pic.twitter.com/UTg5OTdPGF
— Mario Melchiot (@MarioMelchiot) October 4, 2016
Some cracking photos of Karamoko Dembele making his debut last night, from KDS. 2 defenders around him already… pic.twitter.com/aPEig28W6q
— FirstLastForever (@CelticForever) October 4, 2016
No relation to 20-year-old Moussa Dembele, who has 12 goals for Celtic’s senior team this season, Dembele came on as a substitute with nine minutes to go in the under-20 win against Hearts.
Fans have reacted had various forms of reaction to the news of the young man’s achievement. Such as…
The genuine appreciation
Celtic's 13-year old wonderkid Dembele is something else. Wow!!!
— Arrogant Warrior (@That_Obansa) October 4, 2016
That 13 year old Celtic player is quality!
— Lee Quilter (@LeeQuilter2) October 4, 2016
Apparently Dembele did hold his own too, with Celtic’s website saying he “didn’t look out of place” and “played his part in the closing stages.”
The look in the mirror
A 13 year old is after playing an under 20s game for Celtic meanwhile I'm sitting here whether I'm having cookies or oreos for dinner. 😂😂😥
— Harvey Rael (@HarveyRael1) October 4, 2016
Of course, any achievement for a younger person sparks thoughts about our own lives. Check yourself Harvey…
The thoughtful self-reflection
13-year-old Karamoko Dembele debuted for Celtic U20s tonight.
— joshua jones (@joshuapsjones) October 3, 2016
When I was 13 I was stealing dustcaps off cars and using a Blackberry Curve.
Of course you were.
La reflexion
Karamoko Dembelé 13 ans qui débute avec les U20 du Celtic 😱 à 13 ans je joué à Pokémon moi
— Un Programme 💥🔥 (@KvinBrancourt) October 4, 2016
The admiration for Dembele has been international – as has the self-reflection. This French-speaking user points out they were playing Pokemon at 13, not professional football.
La admiracion
KARAMOKO DEBUTA VON EL CELTIC CON 13 AÑOS.
— Pozas Enfurecida (@Pozasenfurecida) October 4, 2016
ES INCREÍBLE.
DE VERDAD SE LLAMA KARAMOKO?
Spanish speakers have been talking about it too. “Angry Pozas” here said it was incredible the 13-year-old played, finishing “truth is called Karamoko”. Indeed Pozas, indeed.
The deja vu
@mg4realz the 13 year old from Celtic
— BobbyTymz (@Tymz_Infinity) October 4, 2016
They have a point there, as well as the two Celtic Dembeles there’s also Tottenham’s Belgian midfielder Moussa Dembele, 29, and Oussmane Dembele of France who signed for Borrussia Dortmund in the summer. Ronaldos eat your hearts out.
The realisation
Karamoko Dembele comes on for #Celtic U20s
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) October 3, 2016
He was born in 2003 pic.twitter.com/diLlIqdPr8
Yes, that’s right, 2003. It’s okay, we know.
Karamoko Dembele has made his debut for Celtic's Under-20 team tonight against Hearts.
— Liam O'Hare (@Liam_O_Hare) October 3, 2016
He's 13 years old. pic.twitter.com/Os5azJE7PD
Just in case you needed some reminding.
