Lamine Yamal “did not think” about the wondergoal that made him the youngest goalscorer in men’s major tournament history.
The Barcelona star curled home from long range to equalise for Spain in their semi-final meeting with France in Munich.
Spain went on to win the game 2-1 to book their place in Sunday’s final.
At 16 years and 362 days old, Yamal is now the youngest goalscorer in men’s major tournaments, beating the previous record-holder, Pele.
The Brazilian great scored at the 1958 World Cup aged 17 years and 239 days.
“We were in a difficult moment, nobody expected to concede a goal so early. I picked up the ball, and I did not think about it,” Yamal told Spanish television.
“I tried to put it where it went, and I’m just very happy.”
16 – Youngest players in history to score in EURO + World Cup:
1 – LAMINE YAMAL 🇪🇸 (16 years and 362 days).
2 – Pelé 🇧🇷 (17 years and 239 days)
3 – Manuel Rosas 🇲🇽 (18 years and 93 days)
4 – Gavi 🇪🇸 (18 years and 110 days)Diamond. pic.twitter.com/3u3CET1pTm
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 9, 2024
“I try not to think too much,” he added. “I just try to enjoy myself and help the team to win. And if it goes for me like that, well I am very happy, and with the win.”
Johan Vonlanthen of Switzerland was the previous record-holder for the European Championship having scored against France at Euro 2004 aged 18 years and 141 days old.
Elena Danilova is the youngest-ever scorer in major tournaments having netted for the Russian national team at just 16 and 107 days old at the 2003 Women’s World Cup.
Yamal will turn 17 on Saturday, the day before the final.
Asked what he would like as a present, he said: “Just to win, to win, to win. My objective was to be able to celebrate my birthday here in Germany. And I am very happy to celebrate it here with the team.”
GO DEEPER
The story behind the viral photos of Lionel Messi and a baby Lamine Yamal
(Stu Forster/Getty Images)
