1 week Ago By Callum Bishop
They may have suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle to all but condemn them to relegation, but Leicester City did create some Premier League history on Monday night. With the game all but lost, Ruud van Nistelrooy decided to hand a debut to 15-year-old Jeremy Monga, making him the second-youngest player to ever feature in the competition . The England youth star, who has been attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in England and Europe, fell 90 days shy of Ethan Nwaneri's record - but that wasn't the biggest talking point of his appearance.
Monga was noticeably wearing a kit without a shirt sponsor on the front, and the reason for this has now been revealed. With over 30 years of history now to its name, which 10 Premier League teams have the misfortune of being relegated the earliest? Monga's Leicester City Kit Explained Leicester's home jersey features BC.GAME, a platform for cryptocurrency gaming, as its sponsor.
However, following a 2020 update to the Gambling Act 2005, the England Under-16 winger was prohibited from wearing it. The Premier League enforces these regulations, which restrict players under 18 from donning kits with sponsors linked to gambling. This would mean that Monga, who doesn't turn 16 until July, would not be allowed to represent the sponsor for the next two full season's should they remain on the front of the Foxes shirt.
Of course, the youngster isn't the only player to have had to play without a sponsor this season, as Chelsea's stars have gone the entire campaign without one too, after failing to secure a deal. Man City are reportedly showing strong interest in the promising 15-year-old. Van Nistelrooy Praises Monga After Debut While he was unable to turn the tide of the contest, Monga showed bright moments in his debut, getting stuck in and attempting to offer a more direct threat.
His manager was full of praise after the full-time whistle, and backed the youngster to get more minutes in the not-so-distant future. "You could see glimpses of his great qualities. He's a great winger and has speed," Van Nistelrooy said as per the BBC.
"He's a fantastic talent, a great boy. He deserved these minutes and hopefully, more to come." Monga has primarily featured for Leicester's Under-18 and Under-23 squads this season, in addition to making three appearances in the Football League Trophy.
He also featured in the third round of the FA Youth Cup, which the Foxes lost to Chelsea. GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Monga has managed four goal contributions in eight Premier League 2 appearances this season. The teenager was named as an unused substitute during the Foxes' 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round in February.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 08/04/2025..
