FIFA World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal in elite list with Messi, Pele as Spain fire three past Saudi Arabia in first half
Atlanta, June 21
Spain's 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal is in the elite list with legends like Argentina icon Lionel Messi and late Brazil legend Pele already, opening the scoring for Spain in their FIFA World Cup match against Saudi Arabia at Atlanta on Sunday.
Having scored in the 11th minute, Yamal, at the age of 18 years and 343 days old, registered his maiden FIFA World Cup goal just 14 days younger than Messi's first FIFA WC goal (at 18 years and 357 days old), as per ESPN.
Also, as per Opta, Yamal is the only second player in FIFA World Cup history aged 18 or younger to have opened the scoring for their country in a match, with the other being a 17-year-old Pele for Brazil against Wales in 1958.
As per Opta, Yamal (18 years and 343 days) is the youngest footballer ever to have scored at least once each in FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro.
Yamal scoring goals is a good omen for Spain, as the data suggests. As per Opta, Spain has never lost the 21 matches in which Lamal has been a part of the starting line-up, winning 15 and drawing six. In these matches, Spain has scored 60 goals, with Yamal having 16 goal involvements (five goals and 11 assists) in them.
Coming to the match, courtesy of an opening goal from Yamal and a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain was 3-0 up at the end of the third half. Spain started off their campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde.
Lineups: Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Dani Olmo, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Alowais; Ali Lajami, Abdulelah Alamri, Hassan Altambakti, Saud Abdulhamid, Moteb Alharbi; Nasser Al-Dawsari, Musab Aljuwayr, Abdullah Alkhaibari; Feras Albrikan, Salem Al-Dawsari.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I know we should be proud of Indian football too, but seeing teenagers like Yamal dominate at this level is truly inspiring. At 18, I was struggling with my career choices! 😅 Hope Saudi Arabia comes back stronger though.
Respect to Yamal, but let's not forget Saudi Arabia is no pushover in Asian football. They reached Group A at the World Cup for a reason. Spain's midfield domination is what's separating them today. Rodri and Pedri are just too good.
Honestly, I'm just happy to see Asian teams getting exposure. Saudi Arabia playing Spain in a World Cup? That's a learning experience. Yamal is generational talent, no doubt. Pele, Messi, and now Yamal? What a list to be part of! 🇮🇳⚽
It's bittersweet. We celebrate global talents, but where is India's next Yamal? Our U-17s struggled recently. The gap is huge. Spain's La Masia produces such players, we need better grassroots. Still, hats off to Yamal. 👏🏽
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.