breaking
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal become Spain's youngest ever goalscorer aged 16
16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal scored on his Spain debut against Georgia.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal made history by becoming Spain's youngest ever goalscorer on Friday evening.
The winger, born in 2007, has been fast-tracked into the first-team at the La Liga champions, making his debut as Barca's youngest ever player aged 15 against Real Betis last season.
He caught the eye in pre-season and Xavi has given him a run in the side following Raphinha's red card. Yamal has started three out of four games this season and was rewarded for his fine form with a call up to the Spain national team.
Yamal is eligible to play for Morocco through his father, while his mother hails from Equatorial Guinea.
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But having been born in Catalonia, he pledged his allegiance to La Roja and was handed his debut against Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
The youngster started on the bench but came on to score Spain's seventh goal in a 7-1 thumping.
He produced a superb finish with his left foot from the right after a cut back from Nico Williams, cementing his name in history as Spain's youngest ever scorer aged 16 and 57 days.
It could well be the first of many for Yamal, who is one of the most exciting talents around.
Alvaro Morata bagged a hat-trick in the rout, while Williams, Dani Olmo and Solomon Kvirkvelia (OG) were also on target.
Yamal has only just signed a professional contract at Barca in the summer but the Jorge Mendes client has already been tipped for big things by manager Xavi.
"Of course I am surprised by what he does at his age, he's only just 16, " Xavi said after he ran the show against Villarreal.
"Everyone is - I am not an exception. He nearly always makes the best decision, which is what makes the difference in football.
"We have big expectations, even more so when you see what you see [on the pitch]. He is not starting games on a whim. He starts because we feel he can effect matches.
"Like I said, he nearly always makes the right decision, which is important, picking the best option. Two assists today, he's intelligent, mature. He's extraordinary."
Josh Lawless