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Ronaldo Nazario won the Ballon d'Or at just 21 but Lamine Yamal is threatening to smash that record and leave other legends behind.
When Randal Kolo Muani put France in front against Spain after just 10 minutes, there was a sense that perhaps the tournament inexperience of Luis de la Fuente's men had finally caught up to them.
However, there was no sense of panic, just business as usual for La Roja, who, through their midfield base of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, controlled the game and kept plugging away at France.
When their reward came after 21 minutes, it was through their inexperienced attacking prodigy. A player so young, he's not even allowed to work past 11 pm. Enter Lamine Yamal.
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01:03 - 10.07.2024
Euro 2024: Lamine Yamal celebrates his hometown with '304' goal celebration
Yamal's celebration was not solely about scoring the goal against France but was a sincere tribute to his hometown.
Lamine Yamal is unstoppable
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Last night's goal against France was a jaw-dropper - a beautifully curved shot from more than 25 yards that left Mike Maignan clutching at straws and left the crowd gasping.
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That goal made him the youngest player to score at a EUROs tournament in history, and he just keeps breaking records. The scary fact is that, at just 16, he is at least a decade away from his peak.
The question isn't if Yamal can win the Ballon d'Or, but when. He is the leading candidate to win the EURO 2024 Golden Ball, and will surely do so if Spain triumph on Sunday.
Could Lamine Yamal become the youngest player ever to win the Ballon d'Or?
Ronaldo Nazario is the youngest-ever player to win the award, aged 21 years and 96 days.
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While it may seem far-fetched for a 16-year-old to match the achievements of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and more, Yamal's performances are undeniable.
He has already outshone some of the tournament's biggest stars, and his fearlessness and passion inspire his team to new heights.
The Barcelona man has the most assists in the tournament (3), and has the most chances created (17). To put it simply, he has been the tournament's best player.
Make no mistake, a victory for Spain in the final, and the 16-year-old could earn a spot on the podium.
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Spain vs France: Super Falcons' Oshoala salutes Lamine Yamal's wonder strike in Euro 2024 semis
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala was left in awe and quick to applaud the stunning, match-defining goal scored by Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal during their thrilling Euro 2024 clash against France.
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