Lamine Yamal Reveals His Most Shocking Career Goal Pick
Among all the remarkable goals Lamine Yamal has netted for Barcelona, the talented winger selected his "stunning" effort against France in the 2024 UEFA Euro semifinals as his top choice.
The 18-year-old has already accumulated an impressive collection of record-breaking and match-winning strikes during his brief career, including a strike against Espanyol in 2024–25 that received a Puskás Award nomination.
However, the magnificent curling shot that secured last season's La Liga championship for Barcelona wasn't the goal Yamal selected when asked to identify his preferred strike. Rather, the Spanish player chose the leveling goal that inscribed his name in Euro tournament records.
"I have three. Well, four," Yamal stated when prompted to identify his top goal during an interview on CBS's 60 Minutes.
"But if I must select one, considering importance and beauty, the goal I netted against France in the Euro Cup. I also particularly enjoyed the one on Wednesday against Bruges."
Yamal struck the upper corner with an exceptional long-range effort to level the score for Spain in the semifinal clash with France. The 21st-minute equalizing goal made the winger the youngest scorer in European Championship history at 16 years and 362 days old.
Dani Olmo then secured the decisive goal merely four minutes afterward to eventually propel La Roja into the final, where they overcame England 2–1 to claim their fourth European title in their nation's history.
Yamal Determined to Carve Own Legacy Beyond Lionel Messi's Influence
Numerous of Yamal's outstanding goals or brilliant performances along the right wing have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, particularly now that the youngster dons the No. 10 jersey for Barcelona.
However, the Spanish player remains committed to creating his own path despite considering the Argentine the finest player in history.
"I believe I honor him ultimately for his contribution to football. If we encounter each other, there will be that shared respect. For me, he's the greatest in history. He understands that I am a talented player and that I honor him," Yamal explained.
"It's reciprocal and we both understand that I don't aspire to become Messi. I want to pursue my own journey. I don't wish to play like him or wear the 10 because of Messi or anything similar."
Nevertheless, the expectations remain high for Yamal to justify the jersey number and the anticipation, particularly in the Champions League. The Catalans last claimed the prestigious trophy in 2015 when Messi remained the club's leading figure.
Barcelona emphasized that their primary objective this season was to break their decade-long Champions League title absence, but Hansi Flick's squad has disappointed in UEFA's top club tournament. The reigning Spanish champions dropped to 18th position following their 3–0 loss to Chelsea.