Meet Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who has taken Euro 2024 by storm and is Barcelona’s youngest player this century

ANOTHER star turn at the Euros, ANOTHER coming of age performance.

Spain’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal, 16, has turned heads not just because of his tender years, but his outstanding ability.

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Lamine Yamal has been a sensation for Spain at the Euros[/caption]

Aged just 16, Yamal has made history and is tipped to be the next world record transferGetty

Alongside Arsenal target Nico Williams, he has provided his country’s attacking threat from the wings – as they have slowly edged their way towards being the people’s favourites to lift the Euro 2024 crown.

And he’s done this all alongside his school work.

Yamal revealed: “I’ve brought my homework with me because I’m finishing high school. I have classes on the web and I’m doing well, I hope the teacher doesn’t fail me.”

It’s no wonder that PSG are considering smashing the previous world transfer record they set when they paid £199million for Neymar on the teenage sensation.

At just 15, Yamal made his debut for Barcelona in LaLiga – coming off the bench for a lively cameo.

In doing so, he became the Catalan giants’ youngest ever player this century.

And Yamal keeps on breaking the standards.

He is Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer, and the youngest player to play at the Euros in the 64-year history of the competition.

His story begins as a Barcelona native.

Growing up

Born to a Moroccan father and Guinean mother, Yamal grew up in the suburb of Mataro.

He is fiercely proud of his roots – donning the flags of both of those countries on his Adidas F50 boots, the same worn by his idol Lionel Messi, who he has been compared to, and told GQ that the same people who call him the ‘next Messi’ are also likely to criticise him.

His mum and dad split when he was young, so he divided his time between two homes – using a train pass to get around.

However, a young Yamal was always drawn to his mother’s cooking – and his favourite dish, rice with peanut sauce.

A love of his grandma’s pastries is also another guilty pleasure.

Getting scouted

Yamal was scouted by La Masia talent spotters at the age of just five.

Such was his talent early on, he would play for three age groups as his development was carefully managed.

The winger progressed through the ranks – standing out for the U16 side aged just 13.

He tore through the youth league with ease, with the club very aware of the unique talent they had on their hands.

In 2022, he skipped an entire age group to play for the U19 side, where he continued to blossom.

Teen sensation Yamal appeared as a cover star in the Spanish GQ

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When Yamal was jut 15, he was already training with Barcelona’s first team[/caption]

Growing up, Yamal idolised Lionel Messi and has been compared to the ArgentineGetty

“He is always asking questions, he has a very good predisposition to evolve. You have to treat him calmly and not rush,” his former youth coach Oscar Lopez revealed.

By that point, ex-Barça boss Xavi deemed the prodigy good enough to train with the first team squad – integrating the generational talent into his sessions.

It was a matter of time when the LaLiga giants couldn’t hold Yamal back anymore and had to unleash him into the world.

Making his debut

On the 29 April, 2023, fans were given their first glimpse of Yamal as he made his debut for the club against Real Betis.

Aged just 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days he ran onto the pitch in the 83rd minute to replace another wonderkid, Gavi with the score at 4-0.

The wide forward became the youngest player to appear for Barcelona’s first team since the 15-year-old Armando Sagi in 1922, over a century before.

And he soon made an impact. In those limited minutes on the pitch, Yamal registered a shot at Betis’ goal.

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Ex-Barcelona coach Xavi gave Yamal his LaLiga debut last year[/caption]

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Yamal made an instant impact from the bench during his brief cameo[/caption]

He also would have had an assist, if not for better finishing from a teammate.

At the final whistle, his former coach’s words echoed what the fans saw.

“I told him to try things and he did,” Xavi said. “At 15 years old, just imagine it… He is special and he could have even scored tonight, but [Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva] saved.

“He played with confidence and he showed what he is about. He has no fear and bags of talent. Some of his passes in the final third were really good.”

The justified hype began.

He just keeps shattering records

Just a few months after setting the world alight, Spain made Yamal a full international.

He earned his first cap against Georgia in a 7-1 win back in September, finding the net in the rout.

Again, he made history. He is now La Roja’s youngest ever player and goalscorer at just 16 years and 57 days old.

Better still, he shattered Gareth Bale’s long-standing Euro qualifier record, who scored at the age of 17 years and 83 days old.

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Yamal terrorised the Italian defence in the group stages at the Euros[/caption]

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Spain are one of the favourites because of Yamal’s blistering speed and ability[/caption]

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Alongside Nico Williams, La Roja have become a team to be feared with Yamal in attack[/caption]

It was no surprise that a month after his exploits, Barcelona tied Yamal up to a new that should keep him to the club until 2026.

Anyone who wants to sign him will have to cough up his release clause – which stands at a staggering £1billion.

PSG, you have been warned.