Lamine Yamal marked his first World Cup start with a goal as Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta on Sunday to register their first win at the tournament.The 18-year-old striker scored in the 11th minute, getting in from distance to convert a low cross. The goal made him the eighth-highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history and helped Spain bounce back after being held 0-0 by Cape Verde in their opening game.Yamal’s name is now part of a list that includes players like the Argentine Lionel Messi and Pele from Brazil.At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal scored his first World Cup goal 14 days younger than Messi when he scored his first World Cup goal at 18 years and 357 days.According to Opta, Yamal is only the second player aged 18 or younger to score his country’s opening goal in a World Cup match. Another was Pele, who was 17 when he scored for Brazil against Wales in 1958.Yamal missed the end of Barcelona’s season with a hip injury and came off the bench for Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde.His place in the starting XI was a big topic of discussion ahead of the Saudi Arabia game, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente decided to give him a starting spot. The idea quickly paid off as Yamal opened the scoring early in the game.Despite his age, Yamal is already recognized as one of the youngest players in world football. He also played a key role in Spain’s European Championship win in 2024, joining the competition at the age of 16.Spain’s victory has brought their World Cup campaign back to life after a disappointing result in their opening match.
