Yamal's strike helped Spain draw 1-1, after Kolo Muani had given France a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute. Spain then came from behind to win 2-1 to reach the final. His excellent performance on the pitch earned Lamine Yamal the title of best player of the match. Here are 5 special things about this star.

1. Young record holder

His goal against France at the age of 16 years and 362 days made Yamal the youngest player to score in EURO history. He also surpassed Pele's record (17 years and 244 days) to become the youngest player to appear in a World Cup or EURO semi-final.

Yamal has previously set a series of other records. He is the youngest player to score in LaLiga, when he scored in Barcelona's 2-2 draw with Granada on October 8, 2023.

In late 2023, he was nominated and received the Golden Boy award. However, Yamal did not attend the award ceremony due to his studies. Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have all received this award.

2. Impressive EURO debut

The young winger received his first international call-up to the national team in the EURO 2024 qualifiers, making his debut in a 7-1 win over Georgia. In that match, played on 8 September 2023, Yamal scored 1 goal at the age of 16 years and 57 days.

Yamal became the youngest player to score for Spain, surpassing Gavi's record. He is also the youngest player to score in a EURO qualifier, surpassing the record previously set by Gareth Bale.

Thanks to that, Yamal has a place in the Spanish squad for EURO 2024, where he is showing great form to help the team reach the final.

3. Compared to Messi

Yamal's technical ability and training at La Masia has seen Lamine Yamal drawn comparisons to former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The two players also share a unique connection. A photo of Messi, then 20, holding six-month-old Yamal recently emerged online. The photo was taken in 2007 for a charity campaign by a local newspaper and Unicef.

Last week, Yamal's father posted this photo on Instagram with the caption "The beginning of two legends."

4. Study and play soccer at the same time

Lamine Yamal is a hard worker. He was given homework by his tutor during EURO 2024. During his time playing in Germany, the young striker also completed his high school exams, which will help him pursue higher education in the future.

5. Remember your roots

Yamal grew up in Mataro, Catalonia, before moving to Barcelona with his family when he was seven. He often celebrates goals by holding up his fingers to form the number “304.” It’s a tribute to his hometown — the Rocafonda neighborhood in Mataro — whose postal code is 08304.