16-year-old Lamine Yamal is making history as the youngest player to ever feature in a European Championship. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, has selected Yamal to start in their opening match against Croatia on Saturday.
Yamal, a winger for Barcelona, will break the record previously held by Polish international Kacper Kozlowski, who played at Euro 2020 at 17 years and 246 days old. If Yamal scores during the tournament, he will also become the youngest goalscorer in Euros history, surpassing Johan Vonlanthen’s record set in 2004.
This comes after a remarkable breakthrough season at Barcelona, where Yamal made his debut at just 15 years old. He also became Spain’s youngest ever player and goalscorer in Euro 2024 qualifying, making his debut against Georgia last September.
Croatia captain Luka Modric, 38, praised Yamal’s potential, saying, “Everyone will see him as the greatest danger for Spain, he’s got great potential and a great career in front of him.” Modric jokingly added, “When I hear that kind of thing, I feel really old.”
Yamal’s historic achievement is set to take place in Spain’s opening match against Croatia on Saturday.
