Euro 2024 just concluded with the Spaniards clinching their fourth title while England was disappointed losing their second consecutive Euro final. Besides the Spanish football team making a strong run to the Euro finals, a squad member was outstanding throughout the tournament.

Lamine Yamal has been the centre of attention for Spain being one of the youngest players at the tournament. 

This article will reveal his contribution to the Spanish team and personal achievements through the four-week tournament.

Tournament journey

Lamine made his Euro debut for Spain against Croatia making him the youngest player to start in the Euro Championship.

From there, he played all the games and started all of them except their matchday win against Albania. He scored a goal and had 4 assists throughout the tournament. 

His major contribution was during the comeback against France in the semi-final where he scored. 

Finally, Lamine turned 17 a day before the final. Controversially, according to German law, anyone under 18 years old cannot work past 11 pm. Breaking this law would have got the Spanish team fined.

Fortunately, there was no extra time since the final ended in regular time with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal to emerge as tournament winners. 

Personal achievements 

Lamine made the following milestones during the tournament:

• The youngest EURO player at 16 years 338 days during Spain’s 3-0 win against Croatia on 15/06/2024.

• The youngest EURO scorer at 16 years 362 days during Spain’s 2-1 win against France on 09/07/2024.

• The youngest player to appear in an EURO or World Cup semi-final at 16 years 362 days during Spain’s 2-1 win against France on 09/07/2024. 

• The youngest player to appear in an EURO or World Cup final at 17 years 1 day during Spain’s 2-1 win against England on 14/07/2024. He took this record from Renato Sanches who was 18 years and 328 days for Portugal against France in the 2016 final. 

• Youngest scorer in EURO qualifying at 16 years 57 days during Georgia 1-7 Spain on 08/09/2023.

• Yamal is also the second-youngest player ever to feature in a UEFA Champions League game, having made his Barcelona debut in Europe's premier club competition at just 16 years and 68 days.

Conclusion 

Lamine Yamal is a testament to the adage, “Age is just a number”. He highlights the importance of developing and nurturing talent from a young age.