Spain's prodigy Yamal makes European Championship history twice
For a fantastic goal: Spanish player Lamine Yamal scored with his 1:1 goal in the semi-final against France, making him the youngest goalscorer in EURO history. The 16-year-old replaced Johan Vonlanthen.
Lamine Yamal has become the youngest goalscorer in EURO history. The talent from FC Barcelona scored in Munich in the semi-final against France, making it the equalizer at 1:1 - at the age of 16 years and 362 days. His stunning long-range shot left everyone stunned. Yamal broke Johan Vonlanthen's record, who was 18 years and 141 days old when he scored for Switzerland against France in 2004. Yamal will be 17 years old on the Saturday, a day before the final in Berlin.
Yamal made his debut for Barcelona in La Liga when he was just 15 years old and became the youngest debutant and goalscorer for the Spanish national team last year during the 7:1 win against Georgia at the age of 16 years and 57 days. His contract at Barcelona runs until 2026, with a buyout clause of one billion Euros. Yamal also became the youngest player to participate in an EURO or World Cup semi-final. Pelé was 17 years and 244 days old at the 1958 World Cup. The legendary Brazilian, who is now deceased, was also the youngest goalscorer at EURO and World Cup finals (17 years, 239 days).
Meanwhile, German fans are not forgiving - at least not Spanish player Marc Cucurella. The defender was mercilessly booed by the Munich crowd every time he touched the ball. The reason: Cucurella received a shot from Jamal Musiala just before the German team's elimination in extra time against Spain (1:2). Few spectators understood that English referee Anthony Taylor denied a penalty kick to the German team in this situation, even though Cucurella had no intention to foul and the referee acted according to UEFA regulations.
Lamine Yamal's record-breaking goal during the European Football Championship 2024 semi-final against France marked his participation as the youngest player in a EURO or World Cup semi-final. Despite this accomplishment, Spanish teammate Marc Cucurella faced harsh criticism from German fans during the same tournament, with boos echoing every time he touched the ball, due to a perceived incident involving him and German player Jamal Musiala.
