Lamine Yamal, a sensational player for Barcelona, had a mixed night, but he still made Champions League history in the Catalans’ victory over Newcastle United on Wednesday.
The winger broke the previous record established by Kylian Mbappé, who accomplished the feat at 18 years and 350 days while playing for Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. He became the youngest player to ever score 10 Champions League goals at 18 years and 248 days.
Deep into first-half stoppage time at the Camp Nou, Yamal made history by coolly burying a penalty to give his team a 3-2 lead. For the youngster, whose poor backheel pass allowed Newcastle to equalize in the 28th minute, the historic goal was a much-needed moment of redemption.
In case there was any question, Barcelona defeated the Magpies 8–3 on aggregate after scoring four goals past Aaron Ramsdale in the second half to secure their spots in the Champions League quarterfinals. However, the penalty was eventually the game’s winner.
Youngest player ever to reach 10 goals in Champions League history
Yamal has already finished Spanish soccer at the age of 18. Despite making just one professional appearance that season, the winger won the 2022–2023 La Liga title and assisted Barcelona in winning a domestic triple the previous year.
Additionally, Yamal was a key factor in Barcelona’s victory in the Spanish Super Cup this season and their four-point advantage over fierce rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga championship race. However, a Champions League championship remains a conspicuous gap in his collection of awards.
After losing to Inter Milan in the quarterfinals of the previous season, the Catalans acknowledged that winning Europe’s top club championship is their main objective for 2025–2026. The team last won the Champions League in 2015, which also happened to be their final Champions League final appearance.
Despite all of Hansi Flick’s ability, none of his top talents have achieved success in Europe while wearing a Blaugrana shirt. The Catalans are sick of waiting, even though players like Yamal and Pedri still have many years to complete the incredible accomplishment.
