Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal created history by becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer for Spain on Friday evening.
Born in 2007, this winger has rapidly ascended into the first-team ranks at the La Liga champions. He made his debut as Barcelona’s youngest-ever player at the age of 15 in a match against Real Betis last season.
Impressing during pre-season, Yamal has been given opportunities by coach Xavi, especially following Raphinha’s red card. He has started in three out of four games this season and earned a call-up to the Spain national team due to his outstanding performances.
Notably, Yamal is eligible to represent Morocco through his father, and his mother has ties to Equatorial Guinea.
Despite being born in Catalonia, Lamine Yamal pledged his allegiance to the Spanish national team and made his debut in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia.
Initially, the young talent began on the bench but made a significant impact when he entered the game. He scored Spain’s seventh goal in a resounding 7-1 victory, showcasing his talent with a fantastic left-footed finish from the right side after a precise cut-back from Nico Williams.
This remarkable achievement made him Spain’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the age of just 16 years and 57 days, etching his name in the history books.
Lamine Yamal scores on his debut!
He becomes the youngest ever goalscorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days old to make it 7-1.#EURO2024
🎥 @ViaplaySportsUK pic.twitter.com/BPW8WYLRL5
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 8, 2023
🚨🚨| Lamine Yamal scores for Spain!! What a moment for the youngster.
Georgia 1-7 Spain
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 8, 2023
Youngest Spain player ever.
Youngest Spain scorer ever.Remember the name: Lamine Yamal ✨
(via @FOXSoccer) pic.twitter.com/bvJnEBW0MM
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 8, 2023
It could well be the first of many for Yamal, who is one of the most exciting talents around.
Alvaro Morata bagged a hat-trick in the rout, while Williams, Dani Olmo and Solomon Kvirkvelia (OG) were also on target.
Yamal has only just signed a professional contract at Barca in the summer but the Jorge Mendes client has already been tipped for big things by manager Xavi.
“Of course I am surprised by what he does at his age, he’s only just 16, ” Xavi said after he ran the show against Villarreal.
“Everyone is – I am not an exception. He nearly always makes the best decision, which is what makes the difference in football.
“We have big expectations, even more so when you see what you see [on the pitch]. He is not starting games on a whim. He starts because we feel he can effect matches.
“Like I said, he nearly always makes the right decision, which is important, picking the best option. Two assists today, he’s intelligent, mature. He’s extraordinary.”