Lamine Yamal could break 27-year-old record held by Brazil legend if he's named Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament
Spain star Lamine Yamal is on track to break a record set by Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario. The 16-year-old Barcelona attacker could become the youngest player ever to win the Player of the Tournament award at a World Cup, Copa America or Euros.
Ronaldo had his first major achievement at Copa America 1997, winning Player of the Tournament aged 20 years and 314 days. He followed it up by lifting the Golden Ball in the 1998 World Cup at just 21 years and 297 days old.
Yamal, however, could shatter that record. He is set to turn 17 a day before the final, where Spain will face England or the Netherlands. The winger has been impressive for La Roja at Euro 2024, bagging one goal and three assists in six games. Notably, he found the back of the net with a stunning long-range effort against France in the semis that leveled the scores before Spain went on to win 2-1 on Tuesday (July 9).
The teenager shot to fame for Barcelona this season, impressing many and seizing the starting right-wing spot for Xavi this campaign and becoming a key player. He made 50 appearances all year, scoring seven goals and setting up 10 more.
Didier Deschamps explains reason behind France's semis loss to Spain in Euro 2024
France manager Didier Deschamps suggested that the side had to be better in front of goal in their 2-1 loss to Spain in the semis of Euro 2024. Speaking after the game, the Les Bleus manager was asked about the poor performances of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, when he said in the press conference:
“I am the one who has to take responsibility,” said Deschamps. “We didn’t have all the offensive weapons either, we had to adapt for different reasons. We didn’t have the usual influence. The pair of them didn’t play as well as they usually do, or to 100% of their capacity, but they were coming off long seasons and it was difficult for them to find their efficiency."
France opened the scoring through Randal Kolo Muani but a quickfire double from La Roja's Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo saw Les Bleus lose their advantage.
Deschamps' men could muster just three shots on target, missing two big chances and notching up an xG of 1.10. Their inefficiency in the final third helped Spain see out the game and advance to the final of Euro 2024.