Spanish striker Lamine Yamal, aged 16 years and 11 months, on Saturday turned the youngest participant in historical past to play in a European Nations Soccer Championship match.
Yamal, who is precisely 16 years and 338 days previous and performs for membership FC Barcelona, was among the many 11 Spanish starters who beat Croatia 3-0 in Berlin.
Earlier than him, the youngest participant to play a match at a Euro was Poland’s Kacper Kozlowski, who was 17 years and 246 days previous when he confronted Spain in 2021.
“I’m very pleased with this victory, for my debut on the Euro”Yamal advised Spanish channel La 1 following the assembly. “We’ve confidence in ourselves, we’re a really environment friendly crew and we present it. We’re glad as a result of all of the work accomplished in latest months has paid off.”.
If he scores throughout this Euro, Yamal may also turn into the youngest scorer in Euro historical past. The report is at present held by Switzerland’s Johan Vonlanthen, who was 18 years and 141 days previous when he scored in opposition to France in 2004.
Lamine Yamal (l) decisive passer for Dani Carvajal, scorer of Spain’s third purpose in opposition to Croatia, June 15, 2024 in Berlin / JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP
The Barcelona winger failed to attain on Saturday in opposition to the Croatians, however he gave an help to Dani Carvajal with an ideal cross for the 3-0 purpose (45+2).
Yamal stood out this season with Barcelona by changing into an indeniable starter in assault on the age of 16, scoring seven targets and eight assists in 50 matches in all competitions.
The one who’s beneath contract till 2026 is taken into account one of the best participant from the “Farmhouse” – the FC Barcelona coaching middle – since Lionel Messi.
“It’s nearly a present from God, only a few gamers have his qualities”declared his coach Luis De la Fuente on Friday.
Yamal now has eight caps with Spain, whose attacking sector was very younger on Saturday, together with Nico Williams and Pedri, each 21 years previous.
