What did you do that summer when you were 16? Did you wash cars or work at the local cinema to earn some extra money without your parents asking you to? Did you score one of the best goals of the Euros, putting France in a tie in the semi-finals? Who wants to try that?
That’s exactly what happened to 16-year-old Spanish forward Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player in Euros history to score a goal with this spectacular goal against France in the semi-final.
The goal was nothing short of phenomenal, curling beautifully in from distance and rounding the left post. Expected goals gave it a 2% chance of going in, but that was no big deal for Yamal, who gave Spain the opening kick they needed against France, adding to a star-studded group of players as the youngest player to score at the Euros and World Cup.
16 – Youngest player ever to score at a Euros and World Cup:
1 – Ramin Yamal (16 years, 362 days).
2 – Pele (17 years, 239 days)
3 – Manuel Rosas (18 years, 93 days)
4 – Gavi (18 years, 110 days)diamond. pic.twitter.com/3u3CET1pTm
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 9, 2024
Yamal has been one of the best players in the entire tournament, regardless of age. The Barcelona man led the tournament in assists and was fifth in dribbles, but more importantly, he gave the Spain team a youthful energy that helped them reach the semi-finals. His speed down the right wing of the pitch gives the likes of Alvaro Morata and Dani Olmo width to drop inside and shoot, but Yamal can also do it himself, as he did with that firecracker.
We look forward to seeing more of this phenom not only in the remainder of this tournament but in his professional career for years to come.
