Every so often, a goal is scored at a European Championship that stands the test of time. It is remembered, replayed, and talked about for decades.
Marco van Basten’s angled volley at Euro 1988 is one. Paul Gascoigne’s individual run and finish at Euro 1996 is another, as is Karel Poborsky’s chip at the same tournament.Lamine Yamal’s history making goal for Spain against France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 can be added to the list.With Spain trailing 1-0, Yamal curled a brilliant strike from outside the box into the top corner to send him into the history books.
At 16 years and 362 days he became the youngest man to score in the tournament’s history – and had those watching left in awe.A superstar is born,” former England striker Gary Lineker said on BBC One. “It was the moment of the match, possibly the moment of the tournament.” Just incredible,” added ex-England striker Alan Shearer. “We’ve been talking about him all tournament and saying what a ridiculously young age it is.
“To do that, it’s just outrageous.”The goal, which had fans inside the Allianz Arena and around the world gasping as it was replayed in slow motion, was all the more impressive because of its timing.This was at 1-0 down in the semi-final of a major tournament. It was a high-pressure moment, but one he handled effortlessly.At no stage in the build-up to the heavyweight contest did Yamal show signs of nerves.
He was smiling and joking with his team-mates on the pitch in the hours before kick-off, and carried that confidence into his performance.We saw a touch of genius,” Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said of Yamal’s goal.We all need to take care of him. I would like him to work with the same humility and keep his feet on the ground, to keep learning.
“He looks like a much more experienced player to be honest. I celebrate that he is in our team, that he is Spanish.We count on him and hopefully we can enjoy him for years to come.
”Yamal is now making an impact on the international stage, but he had already rewritten the record books in his breakthrough season at Barcelona.He became the Spanish side’s youngest starter and goalscorer, as well as the youngest scorer in La Liga.
Yamal turns 17 on 13 July – one day before the final of Euro 2024, in which Spain will face either England or the Netherlands.
Giving an insight into his mentality, the teenager said all he wanted to do to celebrate his birthday was “win, win, win and win”.
Whoever Spain face in the final, they would be advised not to provide the youngster with additional motivation, as France perhaps did.
Prior to the game, midfielder Adrien Rabiot said Yamal would need to “show more than he had so far at the tournament”.
At full time, Yamal celebrated by saying to a TV camera: “Speak now, speak now.”
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand said: “It’s almost like Yamal saw Rabiot and his eyes lit up and he said: ‘I’m going to show you.’
“A wonderful finish from a kid so young.
Yamal appeared for the post-match news conference at 12:15 a.m., when most other 16-year-olds would be fast asleep, and was asked who his comments were intended for.
“The person I am talking about, this person will know who this person is,” he told me. “It is a dream come true to reach a final with the national team.
” Yamal faced the assembled reporters with the same assurance he displayed on the pitch. His emphasis has now shifted to Sunday’s final in Berlin. When asked who he would prefer to face, he responded, “I don’t really mind.
“When you get to the final, you have to play your best, and they are also pretty equal games. “We will wait and play whoever it is.” Lamine Yamal’s goal at Euro 2024 has truly captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. At just 16 years and 362 days old, he not only became the youngest scorer in the tournament’s history but also etched his name in football folklore with a stunning strike against France in the semi-finals.
His goal, a brilliant curling shot from outside the box that found the top corner, was not just a display of skill but also of composure under pressure. It came at a critical moment, with Spain trailing 1-0 in a high-stakes match. Despite his young age, Yamal showed remarkable confidence throughout the tournament, and his performance has drawn praise from legends of the game like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
Yamal’s journey to this point has been meteoric. He had already made history at Barcelona as their youngest starter and La Liga’s youngest scorer before shining on the international stage. His attitude and maturity, both on and off the pitch, have impressed his coaches and teammates alike.
Looking ahead to the Euro 2024 final, Yamal remains focused and determined. His response to criticism before the semi-final and his confident demeanor in post-match interviews underline his ambition and resilience. Whether Spain faces England or the Netherlands in the final, Yamal’s presence promises to be a key factor.
At such a young age, Lamine Yamal has not only announced himself on the international scene but also set high expectations for his future in football. His journey from Barcelona’s academy to Euro 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the football world eagerly anticipates what more he can achieve in the years to come.
