NEW DELHI: Lamine Yamal, a mere 16 years of age, etched his name in the annals of Spanish football history as he made his debut for the national team during the Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia on Friday. Not only did he become Spain's youngest-ever player, but he also marked his entry with a stunning goal.
The right winger's moment of glory arrived in the 74th minute, as he displayed remarkable composure to find the back of the net after a precision cut-back from Nico Williams. The goal extended Spain's lead to a commanding 7-1, leaving spectators and pundits in awe.
Yamal's exceptional debut surpassed the record previously held by his Barcelona teammate, Gavi, who also shared the pitch with him during the same match. Gavi had made his national team debut at 17 years and 62 days, but Yamal shattered that record at a tender age of 16 years and 57 days.
Gavi's contributions to the record books didn't end there. He had also held the distinction of being Spain's youngest goalscorer, a feat he achieved at 17 years and 304 days when he found the back of the net against the Czech Republic in June 2022 during a Nations League clash.
Yamal's journey on this historic night began when he was brought on alongside Nico Williams to replace Marco Asensio and Dani Olmo in the 43rd minute of the match. At that point, Spain was already commanding the proceedings with a 4-0 lead.
Lamine Yamal had already been making waves in the world of football. He had emerged as Barcelona's youngest-ever La Liga player in April, making his debut at just 15 years and nine months during a match against Real Betis.
Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, had recognized Yamal's exceptional talents and his impressive form with Barcelona at the start of the season. He expressed his confidence in the young talent, stating, "Lamine appeared very good to me watching him on television, but working with him you realise even more his potential. He seems even better. Currently, he's a very important player for us, he's here on his own merit. I have total confidence in him. I think he's a great player."
Lamine Yamal's sensational debut for Spain not only marked a personal milestone but also signalled the arrival of a prodigious talent on the international stage, promising a bright future for Spanish football.
(With inputs from AFP)
