Yerwin Sulbarán scores debut goal in Austrian football

Venezuelan teenager Yerwin Sulbarán has scored his first official goal in European football, marking his professional debut in Austria's Second Division for FC Liefering. The 18-year-old winger found the net in the 21st minute against SV Kapfenberg, opening the scoring in Liefering's eventual 0-4 victory.

Sulbarán dedicated the significant milestone to his former U-17 teammate, Yimvert Berroterán, whose body was found in La Guaira on June 26 following a seismic event in Venezuela. "It goes to you, Yimvert. I know that, from wherever you are, you celebrated with me as we dreamed of doing so many times on the field," Sulbarán posted on social media. He added, "Your departure left a huge void, but your memory remains alive in every step we take. Your memory will never leave the field or our hearts."

The goal comes just three months after Sulbarán signed with Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. He was subsequently loaned to FC Liefering, a club that has previously developed notable professionals like Karim Adeyemi, Dayot Upamecano, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Sulbarán had previously played 24 matches for Monagas SC in Venezuela, contributing one goal and two assists, and was a regular call-up for the national U-17 team.

Despite his promising start in Europe, Sulbarán was unavailable for Venezuela's U-20 team for the Central American and Caribbean Games. The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) announced on July 27 that his club commitments with Liefering prevented his participation. Three days later, the Venezuelan U-20 team lost their opening match against Mexico.