Ben Woodburn is the most loved footballer in Wales after his debut strike - but who knew the Liverpool striker had become a worldwide smash.

Striker Woodburn, 17, took just four minutes on his international debut to smash in a wonder goal to down Austria in their World Cup qualifier in Cardiff.

The goal kept Chris Coleman's side in contention to qualify for next year's showpiece event in Russia, as originally published in the Liverpool Echo.

And the Reds' youngest ever scorer has taken much deserved acclaim from the football world, and Baywatch - as actor David Hasselhoff took to Twitter to congratulate him.

Woodburn scored just four minutes after coming on (
Image:
AFP)
Wales are still able to qualify for the World Cup (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

Yes, that's right. David Hasselhoff.

The 65-year-old took to social media on Sunday morning to declare on Twitter: “Congrats to Wales!! What a game! And Ben Woodburn! Nice goal!!”

However, Woodburn could be forgiven for wondering what the fuss is all about.

Hasselhoff is famous for being ripped in Baywatch (
Image:
Rex Features)
Hasselhoff is a keen Wales fan...apparently (
Image:
Getty Images North America)

After all, Knight Rider, the show that shot Hasselhoff to fame, finished 31 years ago and even the actor's 10-year stint in Baywatch ended shortly before Woodburn was born in 1999.

Still, there's always the Hoff's singing.

Actually, let's not mention the singing.

poll loading

Is Ben Woodburn going to be better than Lionel Messi?

2000+ VOTES SO FAR