Spain winger Lamine Yamal has been the breakout star of Euro 2024, with his sublime goal in the semi-finals against France on Tuesday announcing himself to the world
Spain are set to break the law once again on Sunday when Lamine Yamal lines up against England in the final of Euro 2024.
Yamal, who’s just 16 years old, has been the breakout start of this summer’s European Championship in Germany and made headlines in midweek by scoring a spectacular goal against France. The Barcelona wonderkid produced a 25-yard rocket with his favoured left foot to draw Spain level in the first half after conceding early.
Team-mate Dani Olmo then put La Roja ahead via a deflected effort and Luis de la Fuente’s men held on to book their ticket to Berlin. A day later, England reached the final in much more dramatic fashion.
Ollie Watkins’ 91st-minute winner completed a comeback of their own against the Netherlands, who like France went ahead early on. Gareth Southgate and co will now be tasked with keeping Yamal quiet for at least 90 minutes, hoping that he doesn’t break English hearts as well as German law.
The reason that Yamal shouldn’t technically be allowed to feature is because in Germany, those under the age of 18 aren’t allowed to work past 8pm (Central European Time). There are, however, exemptions for athletes, as reported by Spanish outlet Cadena Cope.
Footballers are allowed to play until 11pm (CET) but that cut-off point isn’t just for when the full-time whistle is blown. It includes the player’s duties after the match such as showering at the stadium and speaking to the media.
The Spanish FA are said to have been told ahead of the tournament that they could face a €30,000 fine (£25,000) if they break the law. Obviously, there’s no danger of Yamal - who incidentally turns 17 on Sunday - not being allowed to feature in the final since he’s played in multiple 9pm kick-off since the start of the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the Euros, Spain manager De la Fuente addressed speculation that the 16-year-old would have to be out of the stadium by 11pm. "We’re all responsible for his wellbeing. We’re going to do our job and let him play. Nothing more," the Spaniard explained, as quoted by Marca.
"I don’t know the German legislation. Does Lamine have to be removed by 11pm? I don’t think so."
Yamal registered an assist in Spain’s 3-0 opening-game win against Croatia last month before setting up two more goals in the round-of-16 and quarter-finals. Tuesday marked his first goal in Germany and it was worth the wait, as his shot flew past the outstretched frame of France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and nestled into the back of the net to help set up a mouth-watering final.
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