Revealed: Spain star Lamine Yamal’s mischievous plot to troll Kylian Mbappe after beating France in Euro 2024 semi-final – and what officials did to stop him
It appears Lamine Yamal had a plot to ridicule Kylian Mbappe after Spain beat France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The 16-year-old scored a stunning goal to seal the tie as Luis de la Fuente’s side won 2-1, heading into Sunday’s clash with England in Berlin.
And it turns out the rising star, the youngest player ever to score at a European Championship, has a mischievous side, with officials doing everything they can to keep him in check.
As the Barcelona star walked through the media spotlight after his stunning performance, he held a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask, presumably with the intention of wearing it.
There is little doubt that this was a cheeky dig at Mbappé, who was once given a Donatello mask as a gift by his Paris Saint-Germain teammates because they thought he resembled the comic book and TV character.
Lamine Yamal had a dark plan to mock Kylian Mbappe after Spain beat France
It looked like he was going to wear a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask, but an official took it off him
Kylian Mbappe’s tournament came to an end on Tuesday after France were defeated by Spain
Mbappe also wore a black mask for most of Euro 2024 after breaking his nose during France’s season opener against Austria.
However, one of the officials accompanying Yamal was able to quickly thwart his plan by confiscating the mask before the young man was questioned.
It shows the playful side of a teenager who had to grow up much faster than his peers and carry the heavy burden of the entire country’s expectations on his shoulders.
Yamal was a joy to watch at the European Championships, providing three assists and scoring a stunning goal against the keeper, a beautiful curling shot into the top corner after cutting in from the right wing.
He had to bring homework to the tournament and reportedly only found out the results of his final exam a few weeks ago.
He grew up in his parental home in Rocafonda, a residential area about 32 kilometres from Barcelona and one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Spain.
That doesn’t stop him from setting Europe on fire and he takes his family with him on his journey.
His proud father, Mounir, shares his adventures on Instagram, while his mother and sister burst into tears when he came to life in the semi-final against France.
Lamine Yamal (left, pictured with father Mounir) wins 2024 European Championship at the age of 16
The Barcelona star curled in a stunning goal to beat France and lead Spain to the big stage
He had to do homework and finish his school exams during the European Championship with Spain
Yamal is one of Spain’s biggest threats, but England would do well to also keep an eye on left winger Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao star with whom he has such a strong bond.
Their talents in attack and midfield also include established stars such as Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz.
After Spain secured a place in the final, national coach Luis de la Fuente said of Yamal: ‘We saw a brilliant footballer, who we all have to take good care of.
“I would like him to work with the same humility and continue to learn with the same attitude and maturity that he shows on the pitch. He seems like such an experienced player already and hopefully we can all enjoy him for years to come.”
De la Fuente became the first coach to win six consecutive matches at the European Championship. His team heads to Berlin for their first final since 2012 with a 100 percent record at this year’s tournament, and the manager praised his players and declared that Spain are in “their rightful place”.
Yamal emphasizes his strong roots in his hometown by forming the numbers three, zero and four with his fingers to represent the postcode of Rocafonda 304
His celebration, featuring the numbers three, zero and four, refers to the postcode of his family home
His sister was in tears as his mother was seen hugging another family member after his goal against France
His father, Mounir, regularly posts messages of his pride and gratitude and follows his son everywhere
“My players are exemplary,” De la Fuente said. “Individually they are fantastic, but they always work together for the common goal.
“This is just another sign that this is an insatiable team that wants to keep improving. These players are an example for every young player in our country. We want to keep making history and stay focused until Sunday’s final in Berlin,” he added.