Records are there to be broken but above all, they are a chance to celebrate the athletes who achieve them. Every once in a while, a talent emerges who captures the attention of fans and rivals alike. Only a select few secure their place amongst football’s legends.
With names such as Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi looming large, Lamine Yamal has already become a regular subject in discussions about the next big thing. He and his teammates, however, are determined to ensure his stardom translates into silverware.
That was already underlined at UEFA EURO 2024 and again in Spain’s eye-catching start to FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying, with standout displays in Bulgaria and Türkiye. His journey began with a 7-1 win away to Georgia en route to the EURO title, and two years later, he was celebrating another rout, with a 6-0 victory in Türkiye.
From day one, Yamal has shown himself to be fearless, decisive, lethal – and pivotal to Spain’s play. On 8 September 2023, in Tbilisi, the teenage winger came off the bench after the break and rounded off the scoring with Spain’s seventh.
The journey so far for Spain: 23 appearances, 6 goals, numerous assists and an undeniable impact, Yamal can also boast of a UEFA EURO title, a UEFA Nations League final lost only on penalties and a flawless start to FIFA World Cup qualification.
8 September 2023
At 16 years and 57 days, the youngest player ever to appear for Spain.
8 September 2023
At 16 years and 57 days, the youngest player ever to score for Spain.
15 June 2024
At 16 years, 11 months and 2 days, the youngest player to appear at the UEFA EURO.
15 June 2024
At 16 years, 11 months and 2 days, the youngest player to start a UEFA EURO match.
5 June 2025
At 17 years, 10 months and 7 days, the youngest player to score a brace for Spain.
There’s no doubt the start has been dazzling, but the young Spaniard’s future could be even brighter. The immediate target is next year’s World Cup and the real question is whether Yamal can lead Spain all the way to glory. He will turn 19 on 13 July 2026, just before the semi-finals and six days before the final in New York/New Jersey.
Could Yamal crown his rise before celebrating his third anniversary as a senior international? All eyes will be on the precocious talent to see if he can deliver.
