Lamine Yamal: Redefining the future of football at 17

At this point, records know to break themselves when Lamine Yamal walks in. The 17-year-old FC Barcelona right-winger is the youngest player ever to feature in a UEFA European Championship, as well as the youngest ever to play and score for Spain–where he was born to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother. Lamine was always destined for greatness; after all, he appeared in a charity calendar as a swaddled baby in Lionel Messi’s arms only shortly after his birth in 2007.

Later on, at just six years old, he was scouted by FC Barcelona and joined their famed La Masia academy in 2014. A stepping stone for the big leagues, the academy has clearly perfected its formula, having produced legends like Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Xavi Hernandez. The latter eventually ended up recruiting Lamine when he broke through a crowded field of talent despite his age. 

His rise continued at a blistering pace. By August 2023, he made his first official start for Barcelona, becoming the youngest starter in the club’s history at 16 years and 38 days–that also made him the youngest player of the 21st century to start a LaLiga game. His performance in his debut match, against Cadiz, solidified his place as one of the most exciting young talents in the game, possessing a formidable blend of speed, creativity, and tactical intelligence. He immediately left football pundits drawing early comparisons to Messi; though Lamine deserves to stand on his own, his style and personality distinct. 

What truly sets Lamine apart–despite his talents in taking on defenders with audacity and precision drawing comparisons to some of the sport’s greats–is his sheer conviction. His flair is never reckless; it’s measured, calculated, and team-oriented. It’s what makes his dribbling ability effortless, weaving through tight defensive lines with the kind of ease that belies his age. 

Lamine’s gift for the beautiful game has set him on an unprecedented path: he became the youngest goal scorer in the history of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, when he scored against France in the semi-final, and later became the youngest-ever EURO finalist when he helped secure Spain’s victory in the competition. As the youngest player to ever win an international trophy, he was given the 2024 Young Player of the Tournament award as well as the 2024 Kopa Trophy. Most recently, and unsurprisingly, Lamine became the youngest player to ever score a goal in El Clasico.

Dominating the pitch for Barcelona and Spain—and peripherally, for the young Moroccans and Equatorial Guineans watching—Lamine is building his own inimitable legacy. His rise is a reminder that the next generation of footballers is arriving faster, hungrier, and more prepared to shape the future. For football and culture alike, Lamine Yamal is one to watch.