A magical strike from young Lamine Yamal sent the ball soaring through the air and into the net, etching his name into the history books once again.
Since making his debut for Barcelona at just 15 years old, Yamal has been on an incredible trajectory. Despite not even completing two years as a professional, he has already set multiple records. Now, he has added another to his growing list—becoming the youngest player ever to both score and assist in a Champions League match.
The 17-year-old wonderkid achieved this feat on Tuesday in Barcelona’s Round of 16 second-leg clash against Benfica at the age of 17 years and 241 days.
Yamal set the record in the 11th minute when his precise pass inside the box found Raphinha, who slotted home the opening goal.
However, Benfica responded quickly, equalizing just two minutes later through a powerful header from Nicolás Otamendi. That’s when Yamal, the 2024 Kopa Trophy winner for the best young footballer, decided to take matters into his own hands.
Receiving a cross from Raphinha, Yamal controlled the ball on the right side of the box, skillfully maneuvered past a defender, and stepped outside the penalty area. Then, with a touch of brilliance, he unleashed a stunning curling shot that bent through the air and found the far corner. The goalkeeper dived, but there was no stopping it.
With this goal and assist, Yamal broke the previous record set by Breel Embolo in 2014 when he achieved the feat for Basel against Ludogorets in the Champions League.
