Spain’s Yamine Lamal became the youngest ever scorer at the European Championships on Tuesday with an incredible goal in the 21st minute against France.
Sixteen-year-old Yamal picked up the ball in the final third and calmly prepared for a left-footed shot that soared over France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and grazed the inside of the left post and into the back of the net.
Yamal’s goal broke the record held by Switzerland’s Johan Vonlathen since 2004. Vonlathen was 18 years and 141 days old when he scored against France. Vonlathen’s goal came just four days after England’s Wayne Rooney set the record for the youngest goalscorer. Yamal, meanwhile, will turn 17 on July 13.
Even before his goal, Barcelona’s rising star has played a key role for Spain during Euro 2024. He has appeared in all six of Spain’s matches so far and started five of them. He provided an assist in the tournament opener against Croatia and added assists in each of Spain’s first two knockout round games.
Yamal’s goal tied the semi-final match at 1-1 after France’s Randal Kolo Muani had opened the scoring. Shortly after Yamal scored, France defender Jules Kounde deflected a ball from Dani Olmo into the goal to give Spain a 2-1 lead in the 25th minute.