Brian Madjo scored twice in Aston Villa’s 5-0 pre-season victory over Walsall, offering supporters an exciting glimpse of his potential. However, the 17-year-old still cannot play competitive football while Villa await a decision over his registration.
Madjo opened the scoring at the Bescot Stadium before adding his second goal shortly before half-time. His movement, strength and composed finishing made him one of the standout performers in Unai Emery’s first pre-season fixture.
The teenager joined Villa from Metz in January for a reported fee of around €12million. Yet FIFA refused to approve the move under regulations restricting international transfers involving players under the age of 18.
Villa believe Madjo should qualify differently because he was born in London. They appealed FIFA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the hearing taking place on 1 July.
Brian Madjo registration decision becomes more important
ReadAstonVilla reported that Villa are waiting for the CAS ruling after the hearing concluded without a confirmed decision date.
A failed appeal could prevent Madjo from playing for Villa’s first team or academy sides until he turns 18 in January 2027. That would leave one of the club’s leading young prospects without competitive football for several more months.
His performance against Walsall underlined why Villa want the situation resolved quickly. Madjo already possesses the physical presence to trouble senior defenders, while both finishes showed calmness around the penalty area.
Pre-season goals do not guarantee an immediate first-team role. Emery must still manage expectations around a player at the beginning of his development.
However, Madjo cannot follow a structured pathway until Villa receive clarity. His brace showed what he could offer, but the next major development will come away from the pitch.
