If his wonderful performances at the tournament hadn’t already announced his arrival on the world stage, then Lamine Yamal’s wonder goal for Spain in last night’s 2-1 Euro 2024 semi final win over France most certainly will have.
As is so often the case, the tournament has been a springboard for a number of teenage stars over the years and non more so than the 16-year-old Barcelona prodigy, who has been one of the most outstanding players in the competition.
His breath-taking strike made him the youngstest goal scorer in the history of the European Championship and the only 16-year-old to have ever scored in the tournament. But who’s record did he break? And who has held the record previously?
Here are the 10 youngster goal scorers in the history of the European Championship.
1. Patrick Kluivert - Netherlands
The Dutch forward's consolation goal in the 4-1 defeat to England at Euro 1996 knocked Scotland out of the tournament on goal difference and made him one of the youngest scorers in European Championship history. Kluivert was aged 19 years and 353 days old. | Craig Prentis Photo: Craig Prentis
2. Cristian Chivu - Romania
Next up is the former Ajax and Inter Milan man. Aged just 19 years and 238 days, Chivu helped knock out England at Euro 2000 when he scored in a 3-2 group stage win over the Three Lions. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images.
3. Ferenc Bene - Hungary
The Hungarian striker made his senior debut aged just 14 for club side Dózsa and became a regular goal scorer for his national side. While he had already scored goals for Hungary at the Olympics, his first goal at the Euros came during a 2-1 semi final defeat to Spain and made him one of the youngest goal scorers in the history of the European Championship. He was aged just 19 years and 183 days old. | Getty Images
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal
It was a tournament that ended in tears for the Manchester United and Real Madrid icon as they lost 1-0 in the final. However, his strike against Greece in the group stages at the age of 19 years and 128 days old made him one of the Euros youngest ever goal scorers. | Getty Images