‘A superstar is born’ – Yamal’s history making moment of ‘genius’

The goal, which had fans inside the Allianz Arena and around the world gasping as it was replayed in slow motion, was all the more impressive because of its timing.

This was at 1-0 down in the semi-final of a major tournament. It was a high-pressure moment, but one he handled effortlessly.

At no stage in the build-up to the heavyweight contest did Yamal show signs of nerves.

He was smiling and joking with his team-mates on the pitch in the hours before kick-off, and carried that confidence into his performance.

“We saw a touch of genius,” Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said of Yamal’s goal.

“We all need to take care of him. I would like him to work with the same humility and keep his feet on the ground, to keep learning.

“He looks like a much more experienced player to be honest. I celebrate that he is in our team, that he is Spanish.

“We count on him and hopefully we can enjoy him for years to come.”

Yamal is now making an impact on the international stage, but he had already rewritten the record books in his breakthrough season at Barcelona.

He became the Spanish side’s youngest starter and goalscorer, as well as the youngest scorer in La Liga.

Yamal turns 17 on 13 July – one day before the final of Euro 2024, in which Spain will face either England or the Netherlands.

Giving an insight into his mentality, the teenager said all he wanted to do to celebrate his birthday was “win, win, win and win”.

Whoever Spain face in the final, they would be advised not to provide the youngster with additional motivation, as France perhaps did.

Prior to the game, midfielder Adrien Rabiot said Yamal would need to “show more than he had so far at the tournament”.

At full time, Yamal celebrated by saying to a TV camera: “Speak now, speak now.”

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand said: “It’s almost like Yamal saw Rabiot and his eyes lit up and he said: ‘I’m going to show you.’

“A wonderful finish from a kid so young.”

Yamal emerged for the post-match news conference at 12:15am, when most other 16-year-olds would be fast asleep, and was asked who his comments were directed to.

“The person I am talking about, this person will know who this person is,” he said.

“It is a dream come true to reach a final with the national team.”

Facing the gathered media, Yamal showed the same level of confidence he had on the pitch.

His focus now switches to Sunday’s final in Berlin.

Asked who he would prefer to face, he replied: “I don’t really mind.

“When you reach the final you have to play the best and they are also very equal games.

“We will wait and play whoever it is.” – bbc.com