Lamine Yamal breaks Pele record as he starts for Spain in Euro 2024 final against England
Spain youngster Lamine Yamal has been breaking records left, right, and centre while maintaining exceptional form in Euro 2024. The youngster is set to represent La Roja against England in the final on July 14 in Berlin.
Following his inclusion in Spain's official line-up for the final, Lamine Yamal has officially broken Brazilian legend Pele's record. He is now the youngest player to participate in the final of a major tournament.
Yamal will participate in the Euro 2024 final at the age of 17 years and 1 day. He will surpass Pele's record from the 1958 World Cup, where he represented Brazil at the age of 17 years and 249 days.
Lamine Yamal has been one of Spain's key players in the Euros, having scored one decisive goal in the semi-final against France. He has also provided three crucial assists in the tournament in six games.
His exceptional ball control and ability to wrongfoot players through his deceptive stepovers have been key to the Spanish side's success in decisive games. Furthermore, he has a killer left foot, which has led many experts to compare him to none other than Lionel Messi.
English star Harry Kane claims it will be difficult to stop Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024 final
England captain Harry Kane has made an honest admission ahead of facing Spain in the Euro 2024. He said that it could be difficult for them to stop 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
In a pre-match press conference, Kane praised Yamal for his performance in the Euros so far and congratulated him for his achievements.
"I want to wish him a happy birthday. He's a fantastic player. At 17 years old, to do this in a tournament like this says a lot about him. You can see that he plays without fear, with freedom, enjoying himself. He's going to be one of the most difficult players in the match. I want to congratulate him on what he's done so far," Kane said via BeIN Sports.
Kane's teammate and defender Luke Shaw shared the striker's sentiments. He acknowledged that it could be a task to stop the Spanish wingers, referring to both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
"Spain's wingers have been unbelievable at this tournament, massive credit to them. But I don't think we can focus too much on them – I think we have to focus on the whole team. We understand their threats, where their dangerous players are," Shaw said.
Williams and Yamal's partnership has worked wonders for Spain in Euro 2024. The former has contributed one goal and one assist.