Spain is set to clash with England in Sunday evening’s Euros final, and one of their standout players will be 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.

The teenager has already made history by becoming the youngest-ever goal-scorer in the tournament during the semi-final match against Germany.

Lamine also holds the record as the youngest player to participate in the Euros, the youngest to feature in the knockout stage, and the youngest person ever to provide an assist. With his 17th birthday falling just before the final, the young prodigy undoubtedly aims to lift the Euros trophy rather than cutting into a birthday cake.

Upbringing

Lamine Yamal was born on July 13, 2007, in Barcelona to parents Mounir and Sheila, originating from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea respectively. Proud of his heritage, Lamine displays the flags of both countries sewn into his boots.

Growing up in the Rocafonda neighborhood, located 20 miles from Barcelona, Lamine’s family remains rooted in the area. His uncle operates a bakery adorned with a graffiti mural depicting Lamine celebrating his signature move, paying homage to their hometown.

The young footballer is known for his trademark 3-0-4 finger gesture after scoring goals, referencing the area’s postal code. Football has always been a part of Lamine’s life, evident from an early age when he was held by striker Lionel Messi during a Barcelona F.C. calendar shoot.

Over recent days, the photo has gone viral, with Lamine’s father, Mounir dubbing it the “beginning of two legends”.

Career

At just seven years old, Lamine caught the eye of scouts and swiftly enrolled in the La Masia Academy, renowned for nurturing top football talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Gerard Pique.

Last year, at the age of 15, Lamine made his professional debut for Barcelona, amassing 54 appearances for the club and an additional 13 caps for the national team ahead of the tournament.

His national debut reportedly came amid concerns from Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente about potential interest from Morocco in recruiting the young prodigy. Barcelona, wary of competing clubs, has set a staggering £868 million price tag on his contract to deter any attempts to lure him away.

Speaking to Reuters, Luis described Lamine as a “special talent.”