Lamine Yamal has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to score at the European Championship at the age of 16.
This comes after his stunning goal for Spain in its European Championship semifinal 2-1 victory over France on Tuesday.
Yamal will turn 17 on Saturday, a day before the final in Berlin against either England or the Netherlands.
“I only ask to win, win and win,” said Yamal, who was voted player of the match. “I will celebrate my birthday in Germany with my team.”
Yamal struck in the 21st minute, curling the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan from around 25 yards and into the top left corner.
“I don’t know if it is the best goal of the tournament, but it is the most special goal for me because it is my first goal with the team at a European Championship,” he said.
Yamal is 16 years and 362 days old. The previous youngest scorer at a European Championship was Swiss player Johan Vonlanthen (18 years, 141 days), against France at Euro 2004.
We are very happy to reach the final. Now comes the most important part — winning the title,” Yamal said. “We were in a difficult stretch after not expecting to concede so early. I just took the ball and wanted to put it right there.