It has been revealed that Lamine Yamal apparently had a plan to taunt Kylian Mbappe after Spain beat France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
The 16-year-old had lit up the tie with a beautiful goal to give Luis de la Fuente’s side a 2-1 victory, ensuring they will face England in Berlin on Sunday.
And it turns out the rising star, the youngest player to score at a European Championship, has a mischievous team that left referees struggling to get a grip on him.
Walking through the mixed media area after his impressive performance, the Barcelona star clutched a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mask, presumably preparing to wear it.
There’s no doubt it was a cheeky dig at Mbappé, who was once gifted a Donatello mask by his Paris Saint-Germain teammates because they felt he resembled the comic book and TV character.
Lamine Yamal had a malicious plan to mock Kylian Mbappé after Spain beat France
He appeared to be wearing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mask, but an official removed it.
Kylian Mbappé’s tournament came to an end on Tuesday after France were defeated by Spain
Mbappé had also worn a black mask for most of Euro 2024 after breaking his nose during France’s opening game against Austria.
However, one of the officials who was walking around Yamal was quick to foil their plan and confiscate the mask before the young man could be interviewed.
It shows the playful side of a teenager who has had to mature much faster than his peers, carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations.
Yamal has been a pleasure to watch at the Euros, registering three assists and scoring that one goal – a superb curling shot into the top corner after cutting in from the right flank.
She had to bring homework to the tournament and reportedly learned the results of her final exam just a couple of weeks ago.
He grew up in the family home in Rocafonda, a residential area about 30 kilometers from Barcelona and one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in Spain.
But that hasn’t stopped him from lighting up Europe, and he’s brought his family with him.
His proud father Mounir shares his travels by following his son’s exploits on Instagram, while his mother and sister were moved to tears when he came to life in the semi-final against France.
Lamine Yamal (left, pictured with his father Mounir) is making waves at Euro 2024 at 16
The Barcelona star unleashed a stunning shot that brought France down and took Spain onto the big stage.
He has had to do homework and pass his school exams while he was at the European Championship with Spain.
Yamal is one of Spain’s main threats, but England would do well to also look at left-winger Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao star with whom he has gelled so well.
Their array of attacking and midfield talents also includes established stars such as Álvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz.
After Spain booked their place in the final, coach Luis de la Fuente said of Yamal: “We saw a touch of genius from a footballer whom we should all look out for.”
“I would like him to work with the same humility and continue learning with the same attitude and maturity that he shows on the pitch. He seems like a player with a lot of experience and I hope we can enjoy him for many years.”
De la Fuente became the first coach to win six consecutive Euros. His team will travel to Berlin for their first final since 2012, with a 100 percent record in this year’s tournament, and the coach praised his players and declared that Spain is “where it belongs.”
Yamal underlines his strong roots in his hometown, forming with his fingers the numbers three, zero and four to represent the postal code of Rocafonda 304
Its celebration, with the numbers three, zero and four, refers to the postal code of his family home.
His sister was left in tears while his mother was seen hugging another family member after his goal against France.
His father, Mounir, regularly posts messages of pride and gratitude and follows his son everywhere.
“My players are exemplary,” said De la Fuente. “Individually they are fantastic but they always work together for the common goal.”
“It is further proof that we are an insatiable team that is eager to continue improving. These players are an example for all the youngsters in our country. We want to continue making history and stay focused until Sunday’s final in Berlin,” he added.
