Borussia Dortmund Coaches Argue Over The Age Of Youssoufa Moukoko

Remember Youssoufa Moukoko? Borussia Dortmund's 12-year-old phenom. Well, he's made the headlines again and it's just not because of his goals on the pitch.

Moukoko burst onto the scene following his incredible outings for Borussa Dortmund's under-17 ranks.

He's scoring goals in games against kids much older than him.

After starring for his club, he then got selected for Germany's under-16 side.

_{Moukoko in action for BVB's under-17's. Image: PA}

But after stringing together impressive performances for club and country, there's been doubts about his age with the clubs OWN under-23 manager, Timo Preus, suggesting he's older than he actually is.

"With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed," Preus said via Goal.

_{Muokoko celebrates scoring a goal. Image: PA}

"Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult. There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything."

However, Borussia Dortmund's youth coordinator Lars Ricken has defended the youngster by claiming he's how old he says he is - 12.

"He is twelve years old. That is a fact and there is no doubt about it. Some media reports about him have been disappointing," Ricken said via Goal.

_{Muokoko representing Germany under-16's. Image: PA}

This season, he's weighed in with 16 goals (!!) from just seven games for the under-17's.

Ricken adds: "He plays in our U-17 because we believe that he belongs to this age class in a sporting way. He plays in a very good team and has team mates, who support him well."

Moukoko continues to attract attention.

Topics: Youssoufa Moukoko, Borussia Dortmund

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@https://twitter.com/NasJabbar