Lamine Yamal, who captured attention during last summer’s European Championship, continues to impress spectators with his remarkable pitch performance.
On Tuesday night, a remarkable achievement unfolded as the 17-year-old etched his name into the annals of Champions League history. He became the youngest player to score and assist in the prestigious tournament, pivotal in Barcelona’s victory over Benfica, which secured their place in the quarter-finals.
This season, he has played a pivotal role in 28 goals and is on the verge of reaching 60 goal contributions for club and country.
It is important to note that he is merely 17 years old.
The teenager showcases a remarkable confidence that surpasses his age, highlighted by the impressive quality of his assist and goal against Benfica.
He navigated a winding path towards the visitors’ box in a dazzling display of skill before delivering a perfectly executed pass through the defence. He set up Raphinha at the far post for a volleyed finish.
In a moment of brilliance, he found his way onto the scoresheet, delivering a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. In a moment of brilliance, Yamal found space at the edge of the box and unleashed a stunning strike that sailed past the custodian and nestled into the far corner of the net.
“His goal was nothing short of spectacular,” remarked team-mate Raphinha.
“This statement highlights Lamine‘s exceptional talent and remarkable skills on the field.”
Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Benfica on the night, advancing with a 4-1 aggregate score to reach the quarter-finals. They will prepare to face Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the next round.
“Lamine had gone without a goal for an extended period, spanning six matches and more than a month. His recent strike has brought him joy, as it was a crucial goal for the team, showcasing a remarkable effort,” stated Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
“The community expresses its joy for him, recognising his qualities as both an exceptional individual and a remarkable athlete.”
In the lead-up to Barcelona’s last-16 second-leg clash with Benfica, former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves drew a comparison between Yamal’s rise and that of a young Wayne Rooney, who made a significant impact at Everton at the age of 16.
Wayne Rooney established himself as Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer. Also, he topped the scoring charts for the England national team, a record that Harry Kane eventually eclipsed.
“I’ve never encountered a 17-year-old with such consistency,” Hargreaves remarked during a segment on TNT Sports.
Players often exhibit moments of brilliance. Reflecting on my memories of Wayne Rooney, I recall being awestruck by his talent. However, this young player is truly remarkable in his own right. He finds the back of the net, sets up opportunities for others, and does so with incredible ease. “The most impressive 17-year-old I have encountered.”
Yamal featured in 50 matches for Barcelona last season and has already made 36 appearances this term, underscoring his importance to the team.
Former Liverpool and England winger Steve McManaman has cautioned against the potential risks of overworking young talent.
He remarked, “One must exercise caution, as we witnessed with Pedri, who played extensively, and similarly with Ansu Fati and Gavi. They suffered severe injuries during the critical ages of 18 to 20, which had a significant impact on their careers.” He has found himself in an ideal environment, as Barcelona has a longstanding reputation for developing talent. Injuries remain my primary concern. There is a concern that a year from now, one might find themselves discussing a serious injury, a scenario that has previously unfolded in Barcelona. His absence from the football pitch is a significant loss.
