Spain’s Lamine Yamal Shines at European Championship, Wins Best Young Player Award

Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal celebrated his 17th birthday by winning the European Championship and being named the tournament’s best young player.

Yamal, who contributed significantly to Spain’s success while still 16, capped his efforts by assisting Nico Williams’ opening goal in a 2-1 victory over England in the final on Sunday.

“This is the best (birthday) gift I could have asked for. It’s a dream come true,” Yamal said. “It got tough when they tied the score, but I don’t know what this team is made of because we always fight back.”

England substitute Cole Palmer equalized before Mikel Oyarzabal secured Spain’s win with an 86th-minute goal.

Yamal set up Williams’ goal in the 47th minute, cutting inside Luke Shaw and delivering a perfect ball for the Athletic Bilbao winger to strike inside the far post. Yamal also forced two excellent saves from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

“Lamine is incredible, as you’ve all seen during this tournament,” Williams said. “The sky’s the limit for him. As well as being a good player, he’s also a great person.”

Yamal became the youngest player to appear, score, and play in a European Championship final. He follows in the footsteps of his idol, Lionel Messi, having come through Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He is also the youngest goalscorer in the Spanish league.

In his debut European Championship, Yamal finished with four assists and one goal.

While Spain’s young talents led the charge to their record fourth European Championship, it was the experienced Mikel Oyarzabal who clinched the title.

Oyarzabal, a second-half substitute, scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, securing a 2-1 victory over England.

“I don’t know if it was karma, fate, or who knows what, but something put me in that position to score that goal,” Oyarzabal said.

The 27-year-old Real Sociedad player, a regular for Spain under coaches Luis de la Fuente and Luis Enrique, is valued for his speed, work ethic, and cool-headed penalty taking. Oyarzabal overcame a left knee injury that sidelined him for several months, just as he was set to join the 2022 World Cup squad.

Spain’s victory was a testament to the blend of youthful energy and experienced composure, symbolized by the contributions of Yamal and Oyarzabal.