Spanish teen becomes youngest scorer in Euros history
The 16-year-old Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal has broken more records in Germany, becoming the youngest player to score at the European Championship.
Spain's Lamine Yamal reacts after a semifinal match between Spain and France at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Photo: AP/Hassan Ammar
Lamine Yamal has become the youngest player to score at the European Championship after the 16-year-old netted a stunning goal for Spain in their European Championship semi-final 2-1 victory over France.
The teenager will turn 17 on Saturday, one day before the final in Berlin against either England or the Netherlands – the 1988 champions.
“I only ask to win, win and win,” he said.
“I will celebrate my birthday in Germany with my team.”
Yamal struck in the 21st minute, brilliantly curling the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan from around 25 yards and into the top left corner.
The Barcelona winger is 16 years and 362 days old. The previous youngest scorer at a European Championship was Swiss player Johan Vonlanthen (18 years, 141 days), against France at Euro 2004.
“We are very happy to reach the final. Now comes the most important part, winning the title,” Yamal said.
“We were in a difficult stretch after not expecting to concede so early. I just took the ball and wanted to put it right there. I am very happy.
“I don’t try to think about it too much, just enjoy myself and help the team, and if it goes my way, then I am happy (for the goal) and for the win.”
Yamal came to Euro 2024 with a bunch of “youngest” records, and has inevitably set more. He became the youngest player to feature at a men’s Euro when he started in Spain’s opening 3-0 win over Croatia.
He was already the youngest player to debut and score in the Spanish league at 15, the youngest player to start in the Champions League and the youngest to score for Spain.
Yamal’s goal on Tuesday cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener for France — that was set up by Kylian Mbappe.
Spain turned the match around four minutes after Yamal’s equaliser when Dani Olmo’s goalbound shot was turned into his own net by France defender Jules Kounde. It was originally adjudged by UEFA to have been an own goal but was later awarded to Olmo.
Yamal almost nabbed another spectacular goal nine minutes from time with a powerful strike that flew narrowly over the crossbar.
– AAP
