Lamine Yamal‘s meteoric rise from a highly-touted youth prospect with a long road ahead to a bona fide star in La Liga has unfolded in just six months. Emerging as the latest gem from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, the young winger, once compared to Lionel Messi in his early days, has swiftly established his unique identity since his breakthrough into Barcelona’s first team.
In the current season, the teenager has made 11 appearances for the club, contributing with two goals and one assist. Notably, he also found the back of the net for the senior Spain national team in September 2023, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
Yamal’s remarkable journey has earned him accolades from his manager and heightened expectations from the public. While the full extent of his potential remains uncertain, the records he’s already shattered speak volumes. Let’s delve into some of the significant milestones in Lamine Yamal’s career, both at Barcelona and in the Spanish national colors:
1. Youngest Player to Make a Barcelona Appearance
In the spring of 2023, whispers began to circulate that a 15-year-old Lamine Yamal might make an appearance for Barcelona’s first team. With injuries affecting the team’s wing options, Xavi included the teenager in several matchday squads. On April 29, 2023, Lamine Yamal seized the opportunity, coming on as a substitute against Real Betis at the age of 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days, shattering the previous record held by La Masia starlet Ansu Fati.
2. Youngest Player to Start in La Liga
Lamine Yamal quickly transitioned from being a substitute to a key player for Barcelona. Following a crucial cameo against Tottenham, he earned a spot in the starting lineup for Barcelona’s match against Cadiz on August 20, 2023. Aged just 16 years and 38 days, he not only became the youngest player to start for Barcelona but also surpassed the previous La Liga record, held by Fabrice Olinga, by three months.
3. Youngest Player to Assist a Goal in La Liga
Yamal’s performances ensured he remained an integral part of the squad. His first significant contribution came with an assist against Villarreal, helping Barcelona secure a 4-3 victory. At 16 years and 45 days, he became the youngest player to provide an assist in La Liga in the 21st century, surpassing the previous record held by Juanmi Jimenez.
4. Youngest Player to Start in the Champions League
Despite initial plans to rest Yamal intermittently, injuries and his continued form forced Xavi to include him in the starting lineup for Barcelona’s Champions League fixture against Porto. While not the youngest player to appear in a Champions League match, Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest starter at 16 years and 83 days, breaking a nearly 30-year-old record held by Celestine Babayaro.
5. Youngest Player to Score for Barcelona
Yamal’s first goal for Barcelona arrived on October 8, 2023, during a challenging match against Granada. At just 16 years and 87 days, he found the back of the net, contributing to a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit. This achievement made him the youngest scorer in Barcelona’s history, surpassing Ansu Fati’s previous record.
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6. Youngest La Liga Goalscorer
Yamal’s goal against Granada also made him the youngest goalscorer in La Liga’s history, breaking a record held by Fabrice Olinga since 2012 when he was 16 years and 98 days old.
7. Youngest Player to Start for Spain
Recognizing his talent, Spain’s national team extended an invitation to Lamine Yamal in September 2023. He made his debut at 16 years and 57 days, surpassing the previous youngest debutant, Gavi, by almost a year.
8. Youngest Goalscorer in Spain History
Yamal’s first senior international goal for Spain was a thing of beauty, as he found the net against Georgia. His impressive finish established him as the youngest goalscorer in Spain’s history, outdoing his Barcelona teammate Gavi, who scored his first goal for Spain at nearly 18 years old.
9. Youngest Scorer in a European Championship Qualifier
In addition to his other feats, Lamine Yamal’s goal against Georgia in a European Championship qualifier made him the youngest scorer in European Championship qualifying, surpassing well-known names like Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney.
Lamine Yamal’s rapid ascent in the world of football has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the records he continues to break hint at a bright future for the young talent. As he forges his own path in the sport, he leaves an indelible mark on the history of both Barcelona and Spanish football.
