Antony Chawagarira
Spain winger Lamine Yamal has etched his name into football history after becoming the first teenager to win both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
The 19-year-old reached the milestone after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to lift their second world title.
Yamal, who announced himself on the international stage during UEFA Euro 2024, added the World Cup winners’ medal to his growing list of achievements, becoming the youngest player to complete the prestigious international double.
The Barcelona star played a key role throughout Spain’s victorious World Cup campaign, contributing goals, assists and match-winning performances as Luis de la Fuente’s side reclaimed the world crown for the first time since their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
His latest achievement comes two years after helping Spain win the UEFA European Championship, where he set several age-related records, including becoming the youngest player to feature, score and provide an assist at the tournament.
Yamal was also named the UEFA Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament following Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the final.
By lifting the World Cup before turning 20, Yamal has become the only player to achieve the rare feat of winning both the European Championship and the FIFA World Cup as a teenager.
The landmark accomplishment further cements his reputation as one of world football’s brightest young talents and marks another chapter in what is already an extraordinary international career.
