‘What a player we’ve signed’: Man City wonderkid’s first goal for the club likened to iconic Zinedine Zidane strike

Claudio Echeverri scored the first goal of his Manchester City career on Sunday night by nailing a brilliant free-kick in a 6-0 win over Al Ain.

The 19-year-old — making only his third appearance for City following a £12.5million move from River Plate in January 2024 — found the net in the 27th minute when he aimed a dipping effort over a five-man defensive wall from 21 yards.

Al Ain’s keeper was unmoved and fans on social media were quick to hail an outstanding strike.

‘What a player we’ve signed,’ exclaimed one excited City supporter.

Another called it an ‘insane free-kick’, while a third fan declared: ‘Claudio Echeverri has arrived’.

Meanwhile, multiple fans on X (formerly Twitter) compared Echeverri’s maiden City goal to an iconic free-kick scored by France legend Zinedine Zidane against England at Euro 2004.

Echeverri found the net with a brilliant free-kick over a five-man wall of Al Ain defenders

Many fans compared the goal to a famous free-kick scored by Zinedine Zidane (left) in 2004

Echeverri was not the only first-time scorer for City on Sunday night.

The final goal of the game came courtesy of summer signing Rayan Cherki.

Oscar Bobb also found the net, after a double from Ilkay Gundogan and an Erling Haaland penalty kick.

Despite hitting Al Ain for six, City remain second in Group G — narrowly behind Juventus, who have scored one goal more than Pep Guardiola’s men.

City must therefore beat Juve on Thursday if they are to finish top.