"Wanted to celebrate my birthday in Germany" - Lamine Yamal speaks out after starring for Spain in Euro 2024 semi-final win over France
Lamine Yamal has spoken about starring for Spain in their Euro 2024 semi-final win (2-1) over France on Tuesday, July 9. The 16-year-old scored a world-class goal in the 21st minute to help La Roja equalize.
Yamal, who became the youngest player to appear in the semi-finals of a major international tournament, also became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Euros.
Dani Olmo completed Spain's comeback in the 25th minute as they booked their spot in the Euro 2024 final. After the game, Yamal said (via Reshad Rahman):
“Very happy to be in the final..the goal came in difficult moments, I got the ball, I didn't think, it went in...I now ask to win the final. I also wanted to celebrate my birthday in Germany and I’m very happy.”
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente also spoke about the Barcelona youngster's goal (via BBC):
"We saw a touch of genius. We all need to take care of him. I would like him to work with the same humility and keep his feet on the ground, to keep learning. He looks like a much more experienced player to be honest. I celebrate that he is in our team, that he is Spanish. We count on him and hopefully we can enjoy him for years to come.”
Yamal will indeed get to celebrate his birthday in Germany as he turns 17 on Saturday. July 13, a day before Spain play either England or the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 final.
Pundits react to Lamine Yamal's goal as France crash out of Euro 2024
After Randal Kolo Muani broke the deadlock in the eighth minute, a moment of magic from Lamine Yamal saw Spain equalize in the 21st minute. The goal took BBC pundits by storm as former England striker Gary Lineker said (via BBC):
"A superstar is born. It was the moment of the match, possibly the moment of the tournament."
Legendary England striker Alan Shearer also agreed with Lineker's assessment, adding:
"Just incredible. We've been talking about him all tournament and saying what a ridiculously young age it is. To do that, it's just outrageous."
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said:
"It's almost like Yamal saw Rabiot and his eyes lit up and he said: 'I'm going to show you.' A wonderful finish from a kid so young."
Yamal has registered a goal and three assists in six Euro 2024 appearances.