Lamine Yamal had an item confiscated by a press officer after Spain’s victory over France.
Yamal, who turns 17 the day before the European Championship final, has been among the players of the tournament.
Adrien Rabiot promised that Les Bleus would take the Spanish teenager out of his comfort zone in Tuesday night’s semi-final, insisting the winger would have to “do more” to get the better of France.
Lamal responded by curling in an absurd shot from distance, making him the youngest-ever goalscorer at the Euros or a World Cup, and helping Spain into the final.
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After the game, as Yamal navigated the mixed zone he was handed an item by a fan that was duly confiscated by a press officer.
The press officer was quick to respond after the Spaniard was passed a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask, likely because of a fear it could have inadvertently been used to mock France skipper Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe is frequently ridiculed on social media and by teammates for his likeness to the cartoon turtles.
Elsewhere, Yamal’s teammates were full of praise for the starlet after his match-winning performance against France.
“I am very, very proud of him,” Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri said.
“People will hold on to the goal, that sudden starring moment from a kid who is 16. And you have to have enormous quality to be able to do that, and doing it in a semi-final speaks to the player he is, and the incredible future he has. Very few players can do that.
“But I hold on to his defensive commitment, the support he gave teammates, how he closed off spaces, the oxygen he gave us. How complete his game was … and I told him that personally … chapeau.”
Elsewhere, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, said: “As well as the goal, he did exceptional work; he gave everything until the last minute. That makes him an even better player; it will make him mature as a footballer and a person.”
Topics: Euro 2024, Spain, France, Lamine Yamal, Adrien Rabiot, Kylian Mbappe
Chris Byfield