The world’s next soccer phenom has arrived.
16-year-old Lamine Yamal of Spain became an international sensation in the summer of 2024 while competing for his native country in the UEFA European Championship.
In Spain’s 2-1 semifinal win over France on Tuesday, Yamal became the youngest player to score at a men’s European Championship.
Spain will face England in the final on July 14, 2024.
Here’s everything you need to know about the teenage wunderkind — who is still in school.
He was born in Catalonia
Yamal was born in Esplugues de Llobregat, which is located in the Barcelona (Catalonia) province.
Yamal played for two amateur clubs — CF La Torreta and CF Rocafonda — before joining La Masia, the prestigious training center of FC Barcelona, in 2014.
His parents come from a mixed background
Yamal’s mother, Sheila Ebana, was born in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, and his father, Mounir Nasraoui, is from Larache, Morocco.
Since the family comes from different backgrounds, Yamal could represent one of three countries: Morocco, Equatorial Guinea or Spain.
Despite choosing Spain, the other flags are emblazoned on his boots.
Yamal also has a brother Keyne and sister Baraa.
Yamal set a record at Euro 2024
Yamal became the youngest player to score at a men’s European Championship in July 2024.
He tucked away a goal in the 21st minute against France.
Yamal, who also started the match, shattered another record held by Pele for 66 years, becoming the youngest player to appear in a semifinal at a major international tournament.
“I don’t know if it is the best goal of the tournament, but it is the most special goal for me because it is my first goal with the team at a European Championship,” Yamal said, per the Associated Press.
He could be Barcelona’s next star after Messi
The future’s looking bright for Barcelona, who produced one of the game’s greats: Lionel Messi.
Now Yamal, even at just 16 years old, has seen a breakthrough season with Barcelona.
In February 2024, he made history as the youngest player to appear in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Napoli in the round-of-16 first leg.
He turns 17 the day before the Euro final.
