Barcelona star Lamine Yamal makes history as he becomes the youngest ever goal-scorer in La Liga with strike against Granada
Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has written his name in Spanish football folklore after scoring for his club in their La Liga clash against Granada. The Spaniard became the youngest player to score in La Liga history, aged 16 years and 87 days.
Yamal was named in the starting lineup for the Blaugrana's visit to Granada, as Raphinha continues to be absent through injury. The youngster was powerless to stop Granada going two goals up in the first half before he made history.
With the half-time drawing near, Barcelona pulled a goal back through the teenage prodigy. The Spanish international was on hand to fire the ball into an empty net after a pass-cum-shot from Joao Felix fell into his path (45+1').
Yamal's goal made him the youngest goalscorer in La Liga history, breaking the previous record by just 11 days. Fabrice Olinga previously held the record for his goal for Malaga in their 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on the opening day of the 2012-13 season. He was 16 years and 98 days old at the time.
Lamine Yamal now holds the honour of being the league's youngest goalscorer, in addition to being the youngest player to provide an assist. He is also the youngest player to feature for Barcelona in La Liga and the youngest to start a game for the side in the competition.
Outside of La Liga, Yamal is the youngest player to start a game in the UEFA Champions League, and the second-youngest to appear in the competition. The 16-year-old is also the youngest player to represent Spain, and the youngest to score for his country.
Comparison between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi's beginnings with Barcelona
Barcelona are prepared to keep Lamine Yamal from the probing eyes of the public, and have him develop at his own pace. Spain manager Luis de La Fuente drew the club's ire with his comments about the youngster, in which he likened him to Lionel Messi (via ESPN).
"He's a similar player [to Messi] because he has that innate talent in the final third which is difficult to find. Lamine doesn't seem like a 15-year-old, he's very mature. He's ready [to play] and he is training well. He can mark an era at this club as part of this team."
The comparisons between Lamal and Messi aren't out of place. The Argentine legend made his debut for Barcelona's senior team in his teens. While the Morroco-born prodigy was yet to turn 16 when he first played for Barca, Messi was 16 years, four months, and 23 days old when he made his senior debut.
However, the Argentine icon's debut for Barca came in a friendly. His debut in the La Liga came later, when he was 17 years, three months, and 22 days old. His first goal for the Spanish giants came before he turned 18.
Yamine Lamal has left Lionel Messi behind in terms of his precocity, but whether he is anywhere close to being as successful as the legend will be known in years to come.