Spain's Yamal, 16, to become youngest ever Euros player against Croatia

The Barcelona winger, 16 years and 338 days old, will beat Polish international Kacper Kozlowski, who played at Euro 2020 at 17 years and 246 days old.

If Yamal scores during the tournament in Germany he will break the record for youngest goalscorer at the Euros, set by Johan Vonlanthen for Switzerland against France in 2004. Yamal has enjoyed a superb breakthrough season at Barcelona after making his debut with the Catalan giants aged 15 in the previous campaign.

De la Fuente handed Yamal his Spain debut in September last year, when he became the country's youngest ever player and goalscorer against Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying. Yamal was not even born when Croatia captain Luka Modric, 38, made his major tournament debut at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"When I hear that kind of thing, I feel really old," joked Modric. "Everyone will see him as the greatest danger for Spain, he's got great potential and a great career in front of him."

Spain starting XI: Unai Simon (GK); Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri; Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal and Alvaro Morata.

 

June 15, 2024