Promising Spanish star Lamine Yamal is making steady progress towards establishing himself among the greats of future football, after shining in the current edition of the European Nations Cup (Euro 2024).
Yamal scored a stunning goal in Spain’s 2-1 semi-final win over France, putting himself in the shoes of the late Brazilian football legend Pele.
After providing 3 assists during his journey with the Spanish national team in Euro 2024, Yamal shot the ball into the upper left corner of the French goal in the 21st minute of the match to score the equalizer for the Matador team.
At the age of 16 years and 362 days, Yamal became the youngest goalscorer ever in either the European Championship or the World Cup.
Yamal surpassed Swiss Jan Vonlanthen, the previous record holder as the youngest scorer in the European Nations Cup, as well as Pele, the youngest scorer in the history of the World Cup.
Yamal is set to celebrate his 17th birthday next Saturday, but the real celebrations may come the following day if Spain lift the European Championship for the fourth time by winning the final in Berlin against England or the Netherlands.
“I came here to win all the games so I can celebrate my birthday here in Germany with all my teammates,” said Yamal, who won the man of the match award against France.
“It’s a dream come true. I’m happy we’ve reached the final but we haven’t done the most important thing yet, which is win the title,” he added.
The Spanish national team seeks to hold the record for the most European Championship titles, which it currently shares with the German national team.
The rising star spoke about his goal in France, saying: “I was aiming for the top corner when I fired my shot and it made me feel very happy. I try not to think too much about what is happening. I just want to enjoy myself and help the team.”
The Barcelona forward is the youngest player ever to play at the European Championship, having last year become the youngest player to score for Spain at 16 years and 57 days in a 7-1 win over Georgia, having made his debut for the Catalan club at the age of 15.
In contrast, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and his teammates are happy with the presence of Yamal, who has performed brilliantly in the Spanish national team’s journey, which has become the first team to win six consecutive matches in a single edition of the European Nations.
“Yamal seems like a more experienced player. I’m happy to have him in our team and I hope we can enjoy him for years to come. We have to help him by keeping his feet on the ground and developing him in the best way possible,” said De la Fuente.
Spain defender Nacho said: “Lamine’s goal was amazing for a boy who is only 16 years old.” Dani Olmo, who scored the winning goal against France, agreed with him, saying: “Lamine scored an incredible goal.”
Spain quickly regained their balance after conceding a surprise early French goal through Randal Kolo Muani, to once again show their capabilities as the best team in the current tournament.
Spain have scored 13 goals in Euro 2024, the most of any team in the tournament, while conceding just three.
“I have to keep my faith in this group of players,” De la Fuente stressed. “They always work for the greater good. They are very generous in their work rate. It’s just another sign that this is a team with passion.”
“I am grateful to be able to lead 26 geniuses on the pitch. We are fortunate to have a very young Spanish team with a great presence and future,” the Spanish coach revealed.
The only negative aspect of the match was that Spanish defender Marc Cucurella was booed every time he had the ball, most likely by the German fans in the stands, for his handball in his country’s quarter-final against Germany, which the referee refused to award a penalty kick.
German sports magazine Kicker described the behaviour as “embarrassing, ridiculous and contrary to the idea of fair play” and “unbecoming of a good host”.
There is still one final hurdle that the Spanish national team must overcome in order to win a new title in the European Nations Cup after the 1964, 2008 and 2012 editions.
“We are happy but in a limited way. We have only achieved half of what we are here for, we have not won anything yet. It is time to rest and celebrate and then we will see you in Berlin,” Nacho said.
De la Fuente warned the Dutch and English that his team is not yet at its best, saying: “I am sure that the final will be completely different against a rival who will demand the best from us. Although it may seem difficult, there is room for improvement.”
The Spanish coach stressed: “I know that my players can do more and be better, and I am sure that we will do so. Our idea of football is based on our self-confidence. We want to exploit our strengths.”
