Spain’s Lamine Yamal Becomes Youngest Scorer in EURO History at 16

Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona in April 2023
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona in April 2023. Photo by Pressinphoto/Shutterstock (13892171ad)

Barcelona’s teenager Lamine Yamal became the youngest scorer in the history of the European Championships on Tuesday after helping Spain to get a comeback 2-1 win over France in the EURO 2024 semifinals.

Randal Kolo Muani got France in the lead in the ninth minute before Spain responded through Yamal in the 21st minute.  He delivered a beautiful long-distance curler that finished in the top left corner, leaving France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan helpless.

Yamal scored his first EURO goal at 16 years and 362 days old, setting a new record. The previous record holder was Johan Vonlanthen, who had a goal at EURO 2004 at 18 years, 141 days. Yamal previously also became the youngest player ever to be featured in a European Championship game.

Yamal’s big moment was made even more special as he was named the Player of the Match.

Just four minutes after Yamal made it 1-1, midfielder Dani Olmo scored another goal to give Spain a 2-1 lead. It turned out to be the last goal of the game, giving Spain a spot in the Finals, where it will face either England or Netherlands.

Spain is looking to win its fourth European Championship and first since 2012. It won a bronze medal at the 2020 EURO.

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