Spain sensation Lamine Yamal added another remarkable milestone to his rapidly growing career after becoming the youngest European player ever to register 10 victories at major international tournaments, eclipsing a record previously held by France captain Kylian Mbappe.The 18-year-old achieved the feat in Spain’s commanding 3-0 victory over Austria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, helping La Roja progress to the Round of 16 while continuing his dream debut at football’s biggest tournament. At 18 years and 354 days, Yamal became the youngest European player to finish on the winning side in 10 matches across major tournaments, breaking Mbappe’s previous record by an astonishing five years. The French superstar reached the milestone at 23 years and 355 days, highlighting the extraordinary pace of Yamal’s rise.Although he was denied a goal against Austria, the Barcelona winger once again proved to be Spain’s most dangerous attacking outlet.
Yamal breaks Mbappe’s landmark despite injury setback
Yamal entered the World Cup under a fitness cloud after suffering a hamstring injury two months ago while playing for Barcelona.His recovery has been gradual, but the teenager is now beginning to resemble the electrifying winger who has taken European football by storm.Against Austria, Yamal produced six attempts on goal and constantly troubled the opposition defence, earning the Player of the Match award despite failing to get on the scoresheet.“I didn’t get a goal, but I’m very happy we made it through to the next round,” Yamal said after the victory.The youngster also revealed he is finally feeling back to full fitness.“Little by little, I’m starting to feel like myself again, making the runs and dribbles I need to and taking on defenders,” he said. “I’m at 100%. I’m ready for what the coach wants. I just need to keep resting and taking care of myself.”Yamal came agonisingly close to scoring on several occasions, with Austria captain David Alaba clearing one effort off the line, while goalkeeper Alexander Schlager denied him from close range after Alex Baena’s free-kick struck the crossbar.
Spain march on with another dominant display
Spain’s victory was built on another complete team performance.Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice, while Pedro Porro scored his first international goal as the European champions comfortably overcame Austria to book a Round of 16 showdown with Portugal following Cristiano Ronaldo‘s side’s dramatic victory over Croatia.La Roja have now reached the knockout rounds without conceding a single goal at the tournament.Goalkeeper Unai Simon also entered the history books, extending his World Cup shutout streak to 519 minutes, surpassing Italy legend Walter Zenga’s long-standing record of 517 minutes set at the 1990 World Cup.
