Ben Gannon-Doak became Scotland’s youngest-ever World Cup player and shone in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Haiti – but saw his record broken in the same game.
Gannon-Doak, who changed his name from Doak after leaving Liverpool for Bournemouth last summer, was part of the first Scottish World Cup lineup in 28 years.
In starting against Haiti in the early hours of Sunday morning, the winger became the youngest-ever player to represent Scotland in the World Cup.
At 20 years, seven months and three days old, he broke the record held by Paul McStay (21 years, seven months, 22 days) since 1986.
But Gannon-Doak’s feat was short-lived, with 83rd-minute substitute Findlay Curtis then setting a new record when he came on aged 20 years and five days.
Beyond his brief piece of history, the youngster’s performance was more significant, with BBC Sport‘s Amy Canavan reflecting on how he “stole the show.”
“It was evident early doors against Haiti that if anything was going to happen, Gannon-Doak would be at the heart of it,” Canavan wrote.
“Keeping it simple, when he received the ball down the right, he looked to attack. A sight that makes Scotland supporters rejoice, such has been its rarity in recent times.”
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth's Ben Doak, now wearing Gannon-Dock on his shirt, during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Gannon-Doak played a key role in Scotland’s winner, driving at his full-back and beating him for pace before delivering a low cross which saw Che Adams’ shot blocked into the path of John McGinn, who fired in.
With Morocco and Brazil playing out a 1-1 draw elsewhere, a 1-0 win for Steve Clarke’s side has already put them in a strong position to progress beyond the group stage for the first time ever.
Could Liverpool re-sign Ben Gannon-Doak?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Ben Doak during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He may have undergone a name change but Gannon-Doak remains a player on Liverpool’s radar owing to the buy-back clause inserted into the £25 million deal that took him to Bournemouth.
The specifics of the clause are unknown but it allows the Reds to sign their former No. 50 for a set fee within a certain timeframe.
It is not farfetched to suggest it could happen either, particularly as Liverpool have just appointed a head coach who is familiar with what Gannon-Doak can offer.
Andoni Iraola has swapped Bournemouth for Anfield this summer having worked with the Scot throughout his final season at Dean Court.
Gannon-Doak only managed nine appearances under Iraola, however, due to a hamstring injury which saw him miss four months.
Liverpool are in the market for wingers this summer and particularly on the right side, but there is no indication that they will consider Gannon-Doak at this stage in his development.