Lamine Yamal Breaks Pelé's Records
As Lamine Yamal progresses in the Euros, records that seemed unbeatable are falling one by one. In the Semifinals of the tournament in Germany, Yamal shattered another historic record: he surpassed Pelé as the youngest player ever to play in the Semifinals of a major tournament (World Cup, Euros, and Copa América).
The Brazilian legend held this record since June 24, 1958, when he played in the World Cup Semifinals in Sweden at 17 years and 144 days old. Interestingly, Pelé faced France that day, the same opponent Yamal played against 66 years later to break the record. Pelé scored three of Brazil’s five goals in their 5-2 win over France.
Yamal set the new record at 16 years and 362 days and celebrated it with a stunning goal at the 21st minute, helping Spain equalize the match, which was 2-1 after goals from Kolo Muani and an own goal by Jules Koundé.
His goal also broke another record: he became the youngest player in Euro history to score, surpassing Swiss player Johan Vonlanthen, who held the mark since the 2004 Euros at 18 years and 141 days.
Now, the Barcelona striker is eyeing the Euro Final and aiming for the Player of the Tournament award in his very first Euro appearance.