Lamine Yamal has captured global attention with a string of remarkable achievements before reaching the age of 18. His rise from a talented youth player to a world-class star has been nothing short of sensational. Since making his professional debut for Barcelona in 2023, Yamal has shattered records and set new benchmarks across club and international football.
His journey began on April 29, 2023, when he made his debut for Barcelona at just 15 years and 290 days old, becoming the youngest player to ever appear for the club. Just a few months later, at the start of the 2023–24 La Liga season, he became the youngest player to start a match in the competition at 16 years and 38 days old. His impact was immediate and profound, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter and a creative force on the field. He soon became the youngest player to score and assist in La Liga, as well as the youngest champion of the league.
Yamal’s breakthrough wasn’t limited to club football. On September 8, 2023, he made his debut for the Spanish national team at 16 years and 57 days old. Not only did he become the youngest to ever play for Spain, but he also marked the occasion by scoring, making him the youngest scorer in the history of the national team.
During Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign, Yamal etched his name even deeper into history. His stunning goal in the semifinal against France made him the youngest scorer in European Championship history at just 16 years and 362 days old. By the end of the tournament, he had become the youngest player to feature in and win the Euros, as well as the youngest to provide an assist in the competition.
In European club football, Yamal continued his record-breaking spree. He became Barcelona’s youngest Champions League debutant and the youngest player to start a match in the competition, taking to the field against Porto at 16 years and 83 days old. He went on to become the youngest to play in the knockout stages, the youngest to appear in 10 Champions League matches, and the youngest scorer in a Champions League semifinal. He also became the youngest player to record a goal and an assist in a single Champions League game.
Domestically, Yamal wrote his name into the El Clásico history books by becoming both the youngest player and the youngest goalscorer in the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, netting a stunning goal at the Santiago Bernabéu at 17 years and 105 days old.
Beyond the highlights, his consistency has also stood out. Yamal became the youngest player to score a brace in La Liga, the first under-17 player to score three goals in the league, and the youngest to reach 100 appearances for Barcelona. He also holds records in the Spanish Super Cup, being both the youngest to play and score in the competition.
Lamine Yamal’s list of achievements is unprecedented for someone his age, and with his 18th birthday marking a new chapter, his future promises even greater milestones.
