Three minutes. That was all it took to prove the critics right. Theo Sander made his debut for Aalborg BK on Matchday 7 of the Superligaen. At the age of 17 years, seven months and 20 days he became the youngest goalkeeper in league history. After a goal kick, opponent Filip Bundgaard intercepted the long ball from Sanders and the ball landed in the keeper’s own net: 0:1. Which proved to be the final result. A bitter professional debut for the highly rated talent, who is now fighting relegation with his club in a tricky transition season.
“It wasn’t that funny. Not that day,” Sander admitted in an interview with broadcaster DR. Since his disappointing debut, however, the Danish youth international has largely silenced his doubters. The potential that Sander has brought to the attention of top international clubs is coming to light. The young goalkeeper was voted man of the match several times in Aalborg and even made it into the League Association’s matchday eleven.
Kaleci önerisi yapmıyoruz bayadır bir tane gelsin o zaman Danimarka’lı 05 jenerasyonlu Aalborg takımında oynayan 17 yaşındaki Theo Sander
pic.twitter.com/D12gZXxZh0— Ibrahim AKTAN (@ibrahimaktan) October 17, 2022
“I’ve learned something about myself,” noted Sander, who can now look back on his initial difficulties upon enterting senior footabll with peace of mind. It’s experience that needs to be gained. “Suddenly many eyes were on you. But it’s just part of being a goalkeeper that you have a lot of responsibility.” Sander, who is still attending secondary school, let the great pressure of a weak season ricochet off him. “That’s the environment we’re in. We live off the pressure, so to speak, that’s our job. And I like that a lot,” he said. “It was just damn cool. I’m happy that I can play, I’ve always wanted to. And I enjoy the trust that you get here, even if you’re still young.”
At the age of 12, Sander switched from partner club Gug Boldklub to AaB, where he quickly caused a sensation. At the age of 15, Sander was already playing in the U19s and began training with the pros several times a week. His goal was to make the step up as quickly as possible. That was also one of the reasons why Sander stayed in Aalborg despite requests from well-known top clubs. In January 2021 he completed a trial at Juventus, a fee of €1.5 million was discussed, but he decided against a change. Three months later, at the age of 16, he was in the squad of AaB professionals for the first time.
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“I thought that this is where I could develop the most. Maybe you could have played youth football somewhere else at an even bigger club, but it just wasn’t the same environment. I wanted to go where it really counts,” Sander explained. He had been number two in Aalborg since the beginning of 2022, followed by participation in the U17 European Championships in Israel in May and finally his professional debut in August as the youngest goalkeeper in league history – even if this title was won by Silkeborg ‘s Aske Andrésen just under a month later (17 years, two months, 20 days).
“Suddenly you play games at a completely different level than in a U19 league,” said Sander, who has been starting since goalkeeper Josip Posavec (26) was injured in October – despite a few mistakes. At the side of the ex-Arminian Oscar Linnér (25), who was technically as the replacement, Sander should be given the necessary time and space for further development. “Posavec is a great goalkeeper and I learn a lot from him. So when he comes back, the coach will decide who plays,” Sander said. “Of course you want to play, you always do. But if they see him as the first choice, then that’s the way it is, and then I have to work even harder.”
@TheoSander #Sander2025 #AaB #FullNinetyFamilypic.twitter.com/01fIP9IVbh
— FullNinety Sports Management (@FullNinetySM) February 16, 2022
What else does Sander have to work on? “He convinces with strong saves on the line. At just 17, he seems very mature and hard-nosed. I still see weaknesses when rushing out. Sometimes he seems a little unsure and thinks a few seconds too long. Of course, that’s not the best way and gives the striker exactly the time to look for the perfect finish,” says TM data administrator “sami09”. “The experiences from the U17 and U18 national teams push him and make him a sought-after goalkeeper. If you continue to place your trust in him, it will certainly be worth it for both parties.”
If Sander’s development continues, top international clubs are likely to come knocking in Aalborg again in the future. The young keeper has not set his sights on a specific dream club, but admitted: “I would like to go to England one day.” According to reports, Sander currently has at least three options with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, but for him it is clear: “At the moment it’s about being with the AaB. Because I just think it’s damn cool.”
From December 1 to 24, we introduce new players from different countries born in 2005. Area managers, users, and data scouts come into play as experts throughout the series. You can follow all those players by adding them to your TM watchlist.