Euro 2024: Lamine Yamal Is The Youngest Male Footballer To Win A Major International Tournament

Defying England 2-1 in an exciting UEFA Euro 2024 final, Spain emerged triumphant to take the trophy. Nico Williams opened the score in the 47th minute for Spain, then Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late goal in the 86th minute to generate great activity in the game. England's will notwithstanding, Cole Palmer pulled one back in the 73rd minute. With their 16 shots, 6 on target, and 66% possession, Spain clearly dominated and sealed their triumph over England in a remarkable final hosted at the Olympiastadion Berlin. 

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Lamine Yamal Beats Pele and Becomes The Youngest Male Footballer To Win A Major International Tournament 

Spain's striker Lamine Yamal broke the record set by Brazil's Pele in 1958 and became the youngest player in history to participate in a FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship final on Sunday. Yamal celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday. The Barcelona star was recognised for his contribution to Spain's 2-1 victory over England, after he assisted the first goal. With this victory, Spain became the fourth European Championship title holder ahead of Germany in the annals.

Owing to his incredible showing at the top stage of European football, Yamal was named the Young Player of the Tournament after his remarkable performance for the Spain National Football Team.

"It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to go back to Spain and celebrate," Yamal told TVE (via ESPN). "This is the ideal birthday present I could have sought. I now simply want to celebrate with my family.

“After they equalised, they pressed a lot. But I don't know what this team is made of, but we always end up coming back.”

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With one goal and four assists, Yamal ended the competition setting a record for the most assists in a single European Championship since records. Yamal finished the tournament with one goal and four assists, establishing a new record for the highest number of assists in a single European Championship since records were begun in 1980.

In addition, he achieved the distinction of becoming the inaugural player to record either a goal or an assist in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final of a solitary European Championship.

Pele, who expired in 2022, was 17 years and 249 days old when he participated in the 1958 World Cup final for Brazil, scoring two goals in their 5-2 triumph against Sweden.  Lamine Yamal holds the distinction of being the youngest male footballer to achieve victory in a significant international tournament. It is worth noting that Pele, who won the World Cup, accomplished this feat at the age of 17 years and 249 days. Yamal is currently 17 years and 1 day old. Yamal has smashed a record set by Pele for the second time within a week. During the recent win against France, he achieved the distinction of being the youngest player ever to compete in the semifinals of a significant international tournament.