Norway international Martin Odegaard has become the youngest player to start a European Championship qualifier . The Real Madrid star , aged 16 years and 101 days , started for his country in their Group H tie against Croatia on Saturday . Odegaard previously became the youngest footballer to play in a Euro qualifier when he came on as a substitute against Bulgaria at the age of 15 years and 300 days . Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard started for Norway against Croatia on Saturday evening . The 16 year-old has become the youngest player ever to start a European Championship qualifier . Odegaard ( top left ) lines up alongside his international team-mates ahead of their match against Croatia . The game did not start well though , as Croatia took the lead after half an hour . Marcelo Brozovic was the scorer as the group leaders went ahead once more . Going into the game , Croatia had not lost any of their opening four fixtures , and they continued that run , eventually winning 5-1 and brushing Norway aside with ease . Odegaard , although unable to stop his country from losing on Saturday , is a talented young forward with a big future ahead of him . He joined Real Madrid in January , and has been plying his trade with Castilla , Madrid 's reserve side . Odegaard , pictured signing autographs while training with Norway , played for his country on Saturday . Odegaard joined Real Madrid in January , and is playing his football for Castilla , their reserve side . Odegaard signed for Madrid after copious amounts of attention from a number of clubs around the world .
Martin Odegaard started for Croatia against Norway on Saturday . He is now the youngest player to start a European Championship qualifier . Odegaard , who plays for Real Madrid , is 16 years and 101 days old . He previously became the youngest footballer to play in a Euro qualifier when he was brought on as a substitute at 15 years and 300 days .