Aoba Tanaka 
Spain winger Lamine Yamal is set to celebrate his 17th birthday on the eve of the Euro 2024 final against England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. At just 16 years and 362 days old, Yamal became the youngest scorer in Euro history when he netted a stunning goal in the 21st minute of the semi-final against France earlier this week in Munich. The Barcelona forward skillfully dropped a shoulder before curling his shot past Mike Maignan into the top right corner, securing his place in the record books.
Despite his remarkable performance in the tournament, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has faced challenges in playing Yamal for a full game. The reason lies in Germany’s labor laws, which restrict young people under 18 from working past 8 PM local time, with a slight extension for athletes, allowing them to “work” until 11 PM. If Yamal plays beyond 11 PM, the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) risks a fine of 30,000 euros.
“I don’t know the German legislation on whether Lamine has to be removed at 11 PM… We don’t think so,” de la Fuente had mentioned earlier this month.
De la Fuente, who substituted Yamal off in stoppage time during the semi-final, expressed awe at the young player’s performance against France, likening it to witnessing “a genius.”
“We have seen a genius, the product of a genius. He’s a player we have to take care of. I have to give him advice to keep working with the same humility and keep his feet on the ground. He will keep growing, but this maturity and attitude at such a young age are like those of a more experienced player. We are lucky he is Spanish and we can enjoy him for many more years,” de la Fuente told reporters after the match.
As Lamine Yamal prepares to face England in the Euro 2024 final, the world watches in anticipation. His journey from a record-breaking teenager to a key player on the international stage has been nothing short of extraordinary. With his birthday just a day before the final, Yamal has the opportunity to make his mark and lead Spain to victory, solidifying his place as one of football’s brightest young talents.
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