Having been named in the starting line up for our final 2023/24 Champions League group game away to Red Star Belgrade in mid December, Hamilton’s senior bow in the Serbian capital was already destined to be a date to remember for the 20-year-old Academy graduate.
But just 19 minutes into the game, Hamilton then conjured up a moment of magic that will stay with him forever.
Receiving the ball from Matheus Nunes midway in the Red Star half, the winger, powered past two defenders before despatching a brilliant shot into the top corner of the net to open the scoring and stun a partisan home crowd.
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For a local lad who had come up through the City ranks from a tender age, it meant the world – and Hamilton then followed that special moment up by surging forward again in the second half and winning a penalty despatched by Kalvin Phillips as Pep Guardiola’s side secured a memorable 3-2 win.
There was another touching moment for Hamilton in the post-match press conference when a journalist pointed out to Pep how he had interacted with Micah when he was a ball boy at a City game back in 2017.
“Wow – he grew up!” said Pep as he reflected on a memorable night for City, Micah and the Club’s Academy as a whole with fellow youngster Oscar Bobb also finding the target for his own maiden senior City goal.
A lovely moment in Pep Guardiola’s post-match press conference when he’s shown the picture of him and a young Micah Hamilton as a ball boy for @ManCity many years ago ❤️
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 13, 2023
🔗 https://t.co/hxanQu8n20 pic.twitter.com/PMuLjp9eoq
It served both to reinforce the lifelong connection Hamilton has enjoyed with City as well as illustrating the ability that had marked him out from an early age.
The 2023/24 season had already begun in memorable fashion with Hamilton having been named captain of the Elite Development Squad.
And though for a young and inexperienced group the season proved a frustrating one results-wise, Hamilton’s leadership, example, talent and application once again stood out.
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Regularly called upon to train with Pep’s first team squad, Micah received another priceless opportunity to further his development and knowledge when selected as part of the City squad that travelled out to Saudi Arabia in late December to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
For the best part of a week, Hamilton was embedded with the City group based in the Red Sea port of Jeddah where he had to opportunity to learn, train and soak up the day-to day experience of being part of one of the world’s finest squads.
City’s impressive efforts out in Saudi saw us crowned world champions, thanks to a decisive 4-0 final triumph over Fluminense which had followed a 3-0 semi-final victory over Urawa Red Diamonds.
It also meant Hamilton picked up his first senior medal and offered him a unique learning experience that will prove priceless in terms of his future career.
Another landmark opportunity followed early in the New Year, when Micah was summoned on off the bench to make his senior Etihad bow in City’s 5-0 FA Cup third round win over Huddersfield Town.
More crucial first team exposure then came in March as Micah sampled a Champions League night under the Etihad night under the lights, figuring as a second half substitute in City’s 3-1 last-16 second leg victory over FA Copenhagen.
All told, Hamilton made 24 appearances in total at Under-21 and senior level, scoring three goals and also registering eight assists.
And whatever else he goes on to achieve in the game, it’s fair to say the 2023/24 campaign will always have a special place in his heart.
In his own words
I walked into the meeting room the day before the game and Pep was going through the team and he said my name on the right wing. I was in shock, with jelly legs.
It was all mad!
I couldn’t even sleep the night before just taking everything in. I went on to the pitch and thought: ‘I need to play without fear.’
I eased into it in the first 10 minutes and then took my opportunity when it came. It was amazing.
To do it for the best club in the world and the club I’ve been at since being a young boy is amazing.
What’s mad is that a year ago I was getting injections in my ankle and now I’ve scored on my debut for the first team.
Pep on Hamilton
What a goal and what a game.
I am so happy for him. He is training often with us and we saw his skills one against one.
He scored a fantastic goal and made a penalty.
When he could not make one against one, he made extra passes and defensively was aggressive.
Congratulations to all at the Academy for the last years.
