On July 14, 2024, Lamine Yamal lifted the European trophy in Berlin. He was 16 years old. The youngest player ever to win the European Championship with his country. Two years later he plays his first World Cup, with Spain as one of the favourites. If he wins, he writes history again.
Because nobody has ever won both the Euros and the World Cup at such a young age. That record is open. And Yamal is the only candidate.
Berlin, 2024: the beginning of something great
Yamal had only just turned 17 when he scored a world-class goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final against France. A free kick from the left corner, curled to the far post. The internet exploded. Clips collected hundreds of millions of views. His name was everywhere.
In the final, three days later, he played ninety minutes again. Spain beat England. Yamal was named the tournament's best young player. At 17.
16
years old
in the Euro 2024 final
17
years
two days after the final
18-19
years
during World Cup 2026
“I'm living a dream. This is the beginning, not the end. I want to win so much more.”
That was twelve months ago. Now he's about to play his first World Cup.
The record nobody holds
Who has ever won both the European Championship and the world title? The list is shorter than you think. Zidane did it with France in 1998 and 2000, but was 26 and 28 years old. Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Torres: all world champions and European champions, but each at least 24 when they won their first major international trophy.
Yamal won the Euros at 16. If Spain wins the 2026 World Cup, he would have won both titles before his twentieth birthday. Nobody has ever done that.
Zidane won the double at 26 and 28. Yamal could do it at 16 and 18. A generation earlier.
Spain as World Cup favourites
Spain is one of the strong contenders going into World Cup 2026. The generation around Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and Nico Williams is young, attacking and technically superior. Manager Luis de la Fuente has built a style that fits their profile: dominant possession, high pressing, dangerous from the flanks.
In the current system Yamal is the key player on the right. His direct 1v1 qualities and his ability to operate in tight spaces make him undefendable at his best. Opponents put two men on him. That opens space for Nico Williams on the left, for Pedri in central areas.
If Spain reaches the final, Yamal has already shown that age sets no limits. The question isn't whether he's good enough. The question is whether fortune is on his side.
Simulate it yourself
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Open the simulatorA career that's just beginning
The most dizzying thing about Yamal is not what he has already won. It's that in 2026 he is only 18 years old. His best years lie ahead. If he wins the World Cup, this isn't the crowning achievement of his career. It's the beginning of it.
Players like Messi and Ronaldo — both playing their sixth World Cup in 2026 — set the bar for longevity unimaginably high. Yamal has the makings to do the same. But first: the summer of 2026. First: the chance at a record nobody can take from him.
Write Yamal's story
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