Justin Lerma

Justin Lerma

Personal information
Full name	Justin Armando Lerma Soliz
Date of birth	(2008-05-05) 5 May 2008 (age 16)
Place of birth	Guayaquil, Ecuador
Position(s)	Attacking Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Independiente del Valle
Number	53
Youth career
2017–2019	Guayaquil City
2021–2024	Independiente del Valle
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2024–	Independiente del Valle	2	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12 May 2024

Justin Armando Lerma Soliz (born 5 May 2008) is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a attacking midfielder for Ecuadorian Serie A club Independiente Del Valle.

Club career

Born in Guayaquil, Lerma started his career with Guayaquil City at the age of 8. ^[1] Later he joined Independiente Del Valle academy. In April 2024 at the age of fifteen he was promoted to the Independiente del Valle's first team. He was an unused substitute in Copa Libertadores group stage match against San Lorenzo on 10 April 2024. ^[2] He was 15 and because of his appearance and a well-developed physique for his age, thousands of users have joked about whether he is really 15 years old or not. A video with his statements has become a real viral phenomenon with more than 2 million views. ^[3] He made his professional debut with Independiente Del Valle in a 2–2 Ecuadorian Serie A draw with Universidad Católica on 14 April 2024. ^{[4] [5]}

In May 2024, Lerma's transfer to German top club Borussia Dortmund was announced. However, due to his young age, the player will not move to Germany until mid-2026, as such transfers are only permitted for adult players. ^[6]

Career statistics

As of match played 11 May 2024 ^[7]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Independiente del Valle	2024	Ecuadorian Serie A	2	0	0	0	0	0	—		2	0
Career total			2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0

References

1. "(VIDEO) Dicen que es el nuevo Kendry Páez, y así juega Justin Lerma, la nueva joya ecuatoriana" [(VIDEO) They say he's the new Kendry Páez, and that's how Justin Lerma, the new Ecuadorian jewel, plays]. El Futbolero (in Spanish). 11 April 2024.
2. "Independiente del Valle 2-0 San Lorenzo". ESPN (in Brazilian Portuguese). 11 April 2024.
3. "Un futbolista de solo 15 años es convocado para debutar como profesional y nadie se cree su edad: "15 cotizados"" [A 15-year-old footballer is called up to make his professional debut and no one believes his age: "15 sought-after"]. La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 12 April 2024.
4. "Independiente del Valle suma un punto frente a Católica". OneFootball (in Spanish). 14 April 2024.
5. "Universidad Catolica - Independiente del Valle 2:2 (Serie A 2024 Primera Etapa, 8. Round)". Worldfootball. 14 April 2024.
6. Hintermüller, Marco (2024-05-16). "Borussia Dortmund lässt die Katze aus dem Sack – BVB schnappt sich Talent mit genialem Trick". DerWesten.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-17.
7. Justin Lerma at Soccerway. Retrieved 11 May 2024.

External links

• Justin Lerma at Soccerway