Barcelona and Spain’s young talent, Lamine Yamal, has taken the football world by storm at Euro 2024. His outstanding performances have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi’s early days, especially after his sensational goal in the semi-final against France and his crucial assist to Nico Williams in Spain’s opening goal during the final.
Who is Lamine Yamal?
Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years old, has been making waves in La Liga with Barcelona before showcasing his talent on the international stage. Born on July 13, 2007, he became the youngest player in European Championship history when he debuted against Croatia at 16 years and 362 days old. He soon became the youngest scorer at the tournament with a stunning shot from outside the box in the semi-final.
Club and Country
Raised in Catalonia, Yamal plays as a right winger for FC Barcelona and Spain. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, he has made 51 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists. He debuted at 15 years and 290 days old under former manager Xavi in April 2023.
Yamal’s rapid rise continued as he became Spain’s youngest player and goalscorer in a 7-1 victory over Georgia during the Euro 2024 qualifiers. By the final against England, he had 13 caps for Spain, with three goals and six assists to his name. His achievements at such a young age surpass those of legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Yamal and Messi
A viral photo of Yamal as a baby with Lionel Messi has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Taken in late 2007, the picture shows a young Yamal in the arms of Messi in Barcelona’s Camp Nou locker room. The photo, posted by Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, with the caption “the beginning of two legends,” symbolizes the passing of the torch between Barcelona’s past and future stars.
A Bright Future
With Yamal continuing to shine, football fans eagerly anticipate his future exploits. His exceptional talent and rapid rise suggest he will be a dominant force in the sport for years to come.
