Spanish forward Lamine Yamal made history on Sunday, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship final, surpassing a record set by Brazilian legend Pele in 1958.

Yamal, who celebrated his 17th birthday the day before, played a pivotal role in Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euros final, assisting the opening goal. This victory secured Spain’s fourth Euros title, setting a new record ahead of Germany.

Named Young Player of the Tournament, Yamal expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a dream and I can’t wait to get back to Spain and celebrate it. It’s the best birthday present I could have received. Now I want to go and celebrate with my family.”

Despite England’s equalizer and strong pressure, Yamal praised his team’s resilience, remarking, “I don’t know what this team is made of, but we always end up coming back.”

Yamal concluded the Euros with one goal and four assists, the most assists in a single European Championship since records began in 1980. He also became the first player to score or assist in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final of a Euro tournament.

Previously, Pele held the record as the youngest player in a World Cup final at 17 years and 249 days during Brazil’s 1958 triumph over Sweden.

In another milestone, Yamal became the youngest player to feature in a major national team tournament semifinal last week against France, drawing accolades from the Pele Foundation for surpassing Pele’s record.

Yamal’s impressive tournament included being the youngest player at the Euros, scoring in the semifinal against France, and making a mark with Barcelona, where he has been since the age of seven. Making his first-team debut at just 15 and contributing significantly last season, Yamal exemplifies a promising career ahead.