Meet Vimal Yoganathan—the first Tamil footballer to score in English Football League

A 19 year old Welsh footballer from a small village has just written his name into the history books with a moment that will inspire generations.

Vimal Yoganathan, a central midfielder for Barnsley FC, has achieved something truly remarkable. On Saturday, he became the first player of Sri Lankan Tamil descent to score in an English Football League fixture, netting a brilliantly taken goal in Barnsley's 2-1 League One victory at Doncaster Rovers. Remember, League one is the third tier of the football pyramid in English football.

The teenager sent defenders the wrong way before coolly slotting the ball home to open the scoring. This historic moment comes as Yoganathan continues to break barriers in professional football, having already become the first Tamil player to represent a professional club in the UK.

Born on January 13, 2006, in Trelawnyd, a small Flintshire village in Wales, Yoganathan's football journey began at just four years old when he started playing indoor football at Holywell Leisure Centre. His parents, who are of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, supported his passion from the very beginning.

His early talent shone through at Connah's Quay Nomads and Prestatyn Town academy, but it was his exceptional ability that caught the attention of Premier League giants Liverpool. Scouted at the tender age of six, he officially joined Liverpool's prestigious academy at eight years old, where he developed his skills until he was 15.

After leaving Liverpool's academy, Yoganathan joined Barnsley in 2022 and signed his first professional contract with the Yorkshire club. His professional debut came in August 2023 when he featured in an EFL Cup match for Barnsley, marking another milestone as the first Tamil footballer to play professionally in English football. He scored his first senior goals when he scored twice in an EFL trophy tie against Manchester United U21s on 20 August 2024

During the 2024 to 2025 season, the young midfielder was loaned to Oldham Athletic in the National League. His impact was immediate and significant. He helped the club secure promotion back to the English Football League through the playoffs and even found the net during a crucial playoff game, showcasing his ability to perform when it matters most.

Despite his Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, Yoganathan holds Welsh nationality and has proudly represented Wales throughout his youth career. The central midfielder regularly features for the Wales under 19's national team and recently made an appearance for the U21s as well.

Yoganathan's historic goal represents more than just a personal achievement. It serves as inspiration for young Tamil footballers across the United Kingdom and beyond, showing them that professional football is within reach regardless of ethnic background.

For the Sri Lankan Tamil community in Britain, seeing one of their own succeed at this level carries profound significance. It challenges stereotypes, opens doors, and creates a pathway for future generations who dream of playing professional football.

At just 19 years old, Yoganathan has already accomplished what no Tamil player has done before in English football. With his loan spell at Oldham Athletic successfully completed and promotion secured, he returns to Barnsley with valuable experience and growing confidence.

Great things are expected from this talented young Welsh midfielder. As he continues developing his game in League One, football fans and the Tamil community alike will be watching closely, knowing that every appearance, every goal, and every success adds another chapter to a groundbreaking story.

Full Name: Vimal Yoganathan
Date of Birth: January 13, 2006
Age: 19 years old
Position: Central Midfielder
Current Club: Barnsley FC
Nationality: Welsh
Heritage: Sri Lankan Tamil descent
Youth International: Wales U19

Early Years: Began playing at Holywell Leisure Centre aged 4, progressed through Connah's Quay Nomads and Prestatyn Town academy

2012: Scouted by Liverpool FC at age 6

2014: Officially joined Liverpool academy at age 8

2022: Joined Barnsley and signed first professional contract

August 2023: Made professional debut in EFL Cup, becoming first Tamil player in professional English football

2024 to 2025: Loan spell at Oldham Athletic in National League, helped secure promotion via playoffs

November 8, 2025: Scored historic first EFL league goal for a Tamil player in Barnsley's 2 to 1 win at Doncaster Rovers

Vimal Yoganathan's achievement resonates far beyond the football pitch. In a sport where South Asian representation remains limited, his success story demonstrates that barriers can be broken and history can be made. Young footballers from Tamil backgrounds now have a role model who proves that professional success is achievable.

As Barnsley continues their League One campaign, all eyes will be on this remarkable young talent who has already secured his place in football history while his career is only just beginning.