Lamine Yamal created history on Tuesday by becoming the youngest player to score at a men’s European Championship. The 16-year-old prodigy netted a remarkable goal against France in the semifinal match, making him the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.
Yamal’s goal came in the 21st minute of the game, as he curled a stunning finish past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and into the top left corner of the net. At 16 years and 362 days old, Yamal surpassed the previous record held by Swiss player Johan Vonlanthen, who scored at 18 years and 141 days old in Euro 2004.
In addition to being the youngest goal-scorer in European Championship history, Yamal also holds the title of the youngest player to score in a major tournament, surpassing legendary player Pelé who achieved this at 17 years and 239 days old in 1958.
Yamal’s performance in the tournament has been exceptional, as he previously became the first teenager to record an assist at the Euros. With a total of three assists, he is the only teenager in the tournament’s history to achieve this milestone. Furthermore, he is one of two teenagers since 1980 to record multiple assists in the knockout stages of the Euros, alongside Türkiye’s Arda Güler.
During the semifinal match against France, Yamal’s goal equalized the score to 2-1, canceling out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener for France. Shortly after Yamal’s goal, France defender Jules Koundé inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Spain the lead in the game.
Lamine Yamal’s remarkable performance at the UEFA Euro 2024 has captured the attention of football fans worldwide, as he continues to make history with his exceptional skills on the field. His talent and composure at such a young age are a testament to his potential as a future star in the world of football. It will be exciting to see how his career unfolds and the impact he will have on the sport in the years to come.