Seven-Seven scores in seventy-seventh minute

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FT Desk

Football coincidences are nothing new but one popped up this week that made everyone take notice.

Justin Seven-Seven is a young footballer who plays as a forward for West Bromwich Albion’s academy. Born in 2009, he is considered a promising young talent developing through the club’s youth system.

He has also represented Germany at under-17 level. His name, Seven-Seven, is unusual in football, making him particularly memorable.

What makes him even more memorable is that on Tuesday he scored in the 77th minute as West Brom's under-21 side lost 3-2 away at Sutton.

The Baggies actually took the lead early on but Sutton subsequently scored three to go 3-1 up. Seven-Seven then popped up with the consolation in the 77th minute.

He also wears the number 77 for the club.

Just in time! ⏰

Justin Seven-Seven scored for West Brom's Under-21 side in the 77th minute yesterday 7️⃣7️⃣ https://t.co/cFxhpMNAEF

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 14, 2026

West Brom's official website says of the youngster:

"Born in Smethwick, Justin stands out for his attacking attributes as well as his memorable surname.

"A towering target man, Seven-Seven pushed towards a professional club early into his life - starting out at Mahal FC and Soho Albion, one of the club's development teams, which is where a link with the Baggies first appeared for the striker.

"Performances in the club's development team earned Justin a trial and, consequently, a contract with the club which was signed as a nine-year-old.

"Having grown up a stone's throw away from Albion's academy hub at the EPPP building opposite The Hawthorns, Justin's destiny always lay at the Baggies - proven once more when he reached the scholarship phase, signing a two-year deal in July 2025.

"A physical presence in the box, Justin showed the quality of finishing during his maiden year as a scholar - turning up in big moments to write his name on matches, such as his dramatic 96th-minute equaliser against Sunderland during the FA Youth Cup fifth-round tie in January 2026.

"This dramatic goal came after Seven-Seven had earned his first International honours at youth level, where he featured four times for Germany's U17s and scored his maiden goal in a 7-0 victory over Finland at the start of January."