Lamine Yamal made history as Spain defeated France at Euro 2024. GETTY IMAGES

Lamine Yamal wrote his own history by becoming the youngest ever scorer in a men's European Championship, as he helped Spain come from behind to beat France 2-1 at the Allianz Arena and book his side's place in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.

France took the lead within the first 10 minutes as Randal Kolo Muani headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappe, but Spain equalised shortly after with a spectacular long-range shot from 16-year-old Yamal. Dani Olmo then delivered a brilliant strike less than five minutes later to give Spain the lead, a lead that La Roja defended resolutely until the final whistle.

Tuesday’s win also makes Spain the first team to secure six consecutive victories in a single European Championship tournament and net a record 13 goals. Luis de la Fuente’s squad will now face either the Netherlands or England, who play on Wednesday, in the final as Spain aims for their fourth European Championship title.

Yamal, who earned the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance, will celebrate his 17th birthday the day before the final and said his “goal” was to still be in Germany for the occasion.

“I told my mother that there is no need to buy me gifts on my 17th birthday, if we win the championship. It’s her dream, too,” he said. Like everything else about his career, it could be much more than hopes and words very quickly."


Lamine Yamal become the youngest ever scorer in a men's European Championship against France. GETTY IMAGES
Lamine Yamal become the youngest ever scorer in a men's European Championship against France. GETTY IMAGES




Speaking on his goal, the youngster told AFP, “We were a goal down and I just got the ball, I didn’t think about it much and then shot towards the goal. “We are very, very close. (We’re) with a lot of happiness. This team is unbelievable. We deserve it. One step away from glory.”

At just 15 years old, he scored a spectacular curling long-range goal against France in the Under-17 European Championship semi-final. Fast forward a year to Tuesday night, and he scored a nearly identical goal in the European Championship semi-final against a star-studded French team.

The talented teenager continues to be in the spotlight having already had a breakout season prior to the tournament with Barcelona. He has carried that confidence onto the international stage by becoming the youngest player ever to score at the European Championship, demonstrating a poise well beyond his years.

Yamal, who looks set for Lionel Messi's famed number 10 shirt, appeared unfazed as he prepared for the biggest game of his career, and when the opportunity arose, he unleashed a swerving shot into the top corner. His goal showcased that the teenager possesses all the qualities needed to become one of the world’s best players.