“I knew he was going to be a star" - Lamine Yamal's father on the Spain star after his heroics in Euro 2024 S/F
Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has wowed Europe at Euro 2024 in the colors of Spain and one man is not surprised about his performances. The forward's father Mounir Nasraoui has revealed his pride at the 16-year-old's performance at the tournament, hailing the record-breaking youngster.
Yamal was playing in the U-17 Euros last summer and has emerged as the breakout star of the year for club and country. The forward scored on his debut for Spain in 2023 and hasn't looked back since then, starring for La Roja at his first senior Euros.
Nasraoui celebrated passionately among Spain fans after his son scored his first major tournament goal in the semi-final win over France on July 9. He spoke to Mundo Deportivo afterwards, where he revealed that he always knew that his son was always going to be special.
He said:
“I am living it like everyone else, with happiness and joy, and a lot of love for all of Spain, we have reached the final and I am proud and happy of all the players. I knew he was going to be a star, whoever is a father knows that and any father wants his son to be the best, I wish him the best in life and the future and hope that they win the European Championship.”
Lamine Yamal made history at the Euros as he became the youngest-ever player to appear in the competition. The 16-year-old further made history as he became the youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition against France. He also broke Pele's long-standing record as the youngest goalscorer in the penultimate stages of the Euros or FIFA World Cup.
Lamine Yamal is set to star for Spain when they face England in the final of the competition a day after he turns 17 (July 14). He will look to become the youngest winner of the competition in the game in Berlin.
Lamine Yamal becomes official Barcelona first-team player
Rave of the moment Lamine Yamal has become a first-team player at boyhood club Barcelona after he was registered with the first team. He was on the books of the Barcelona U-19 team in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons and played for the first team as a youth team player. He has made 51 senior appearances, registering seven goals and 10 assists.
Yamal will expect to be a key player for Hansi Flick after establishing himself under Xavi. The Spaniard will likely receive a new shirt number from the 2024-25 season, having played with a youth team number in the last two seasons. The teenager has been linked with the famed No. 10 shirt at the club.
Teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsi is another who has been registered with the first team after starring for the club in 2023-24. The 17-year-old defender will not be available from the start of the season, as he will feature in the Olympics.