Rabat – Span’s football prodigy Lamine Yamal is celebrating his 17th birthday today as Spain gears up for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
Despite his youth, Yamal has already secured his place in the starting lineup for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
The teenage prodigy’s impressive career has been marked by several record-breaking performances. At the ongoing Euro 2024, he became the youngest player and goal scorer in the tournament’s history, a testament to his exceptional skill and poise on the international stage.
In an interview with Marca, Yamal shared his excitement about his birthday and the unique way he celebrates it—by both receiving and giving gifts.
He recounted memorable moments of exchanging jerseys with football stars Kylian Mbappe and Federico Chiesa after key matches.
“Mbappe asked me for it. Well, the person in charge of the kit in the locker room asked on his behalf. Chiesa also asked after the match against Italy,” he said.
“If Mbappe asks me again, I’ll give it to him without any problem. I don’t know how many shirts I have,” Yamal revealed with a smile.
Read Also: Moroccan Lamine Yamal Becomes Youngest Scorer in Euro History
When asked about the inevitable comparisons to the legendary Lionel Messi, Yamal humbly requested to be recognized for his own identity and contributions to the sport.
“I try to be Lamine. I try to be recognized for who I am. In the end, comparing yourself to the best player in history is something that won’t help you because I’ll never be like him. I try to be myself so people recognize me as Lamine Yamal, and that’s it,” he stated.
All eyes are on the Barcelona talisman as Spain prepares for an epic footballing battle against England in Sunday’s Euro final. Yamal will set another record tomorrow by simply taking part in this crucial match: becoming the youngest player in the history of the Euros.
The current record is held by Renato Sanches, who played for Portugal in 2016 at the age of 18 years and 328 days.
In addition, should Yamal score in the final, he will become the youngest goal scorer in a continental championship final. This record is currently held by Pietro Anastasi, who scored for Italy against Yugoslavia at Euro 1968 at the age of 20 years and 63 days.
