Lamine Yamal Becomes Eighth-Youngest Scorer in World Cup History

Lamine Yamal marked his first World Cup start with a goal as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta on Sunday and registered their first win of the tournament.

The 18-year-old forward scored in the 11th minute, sliding in at the far post to convert a low cross.

The goal made him the eighth-youngest scorer in FIFA World Cup history and helped Spain bounce back after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their opening match.

Yamal's name is now part of a list that includes players such as Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazil's Pele.

At 18 years and 343 days old, Yamal scored his first World Cup goal just 14 days younger than Messi was when he scored his maiden World Cup goal at 18 years and 357 days.

According to Opta, Yamal is only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal for his country in a World Cup match.

The other was Pele, who was 17 when he scored for Brazil against Wales in 1958.

Yamal missed the end of Barcelona's season because of a hamstring injury and came off the bench in Spain's opening match against Cape Verde.

His place in the starting XI became a major talking point before the Saudi Arabia game, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente decided to hand him a start.

The decision paid off quickly as Yamal opened the scoring early in the match.

Despite his age, Yamal is already regarded as one of the leading young players in world football.

He also played a key role in Spain's European Championship triumph in 2024, having entered the tournament at the age of 16.

Spain's win puts their World Cup campaign back on track after the disappointing result in their opening fixture.