Featured Image Credit: BBC - YouTube/Vancouver Whitecaps
Topics: Alphonso Davies, Football World Cup, Croatia
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Alphonso Davies, Football World Cup, Croatia
It took Alphonso Davies just 69 seconds to open the scoring for Canada in their Group F clash against Croatia – and it's another incredible achievement in what has been a remarkable journey to date.
The 22-year-old defender's goal – the fastest in a World Cup group stage match since Clint Dempsey scored after 29 seconds against Ghana in 2014 – was a joy to watch.
After a wonderful touch from Cyle Larin on the right wing, pacey winger Tajon Buchanan delivered a pin-point cross to Bayern Munich man Davies, who headed home with ease.
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If you didn't manage to catch the goal, we've got you covered. How good is this?
As mentioned by the commentator after his goal, Davies is not only Canada's undisputed superstar but his journey to this winter's World Cup will inspire a generation.
Born to Liberian parents in a Ghanaian refugee camp after they fled a civil war, Davies moved to the freezing cold city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at the age of five.
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Having excelled for local youth sides, by the age of 14 he had been scouted by Vancouver Whitecaps and a year later he was playing professionally in the USL for the Whitecaps second side.
He would go on become the first player born in the 2000's to feature in Major League Soccer when he made the rapid progression to their first-team squad.
Soon, Davies would become a full international with Canada and in turn, a host of top European clubs showed an interest. After two full seasons in the MLS, a 17-year old Davies joined Bayern in what was a MLS record transfer at the time.
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He would then become the first Canadian to win the Champions League after playing starring role for Bayern Munich as they beat Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
Earlier this year, Davies openly explained the downsides of being a professional footballer at the top level. You can see him speaking on the subject below.
After his Champions League success, Davies reflected on his story.
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"Coming to Europe and winning the Champions League with a great club like Bayern is everything I can ask for," he said.
"It shows the team I have around me, helping me every time I play; they play really well in the Champions League and being able to play here is amazing for me.
"My story, it just goes to show if you set your mind to it you can do anything. I'm happy to have the medal around my neck and the trophy by my side."