- Lamine Yamal had a plan to mock Kylian Mbappe after Spain beat France
- An official quickly moved to foil his plot after his stunning semi-final goal
- LISTEN: Join us as we debate the BIGGEST talking points on It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts
Lamine Yamal seemingly had a plot to mock Kylian Mbappe after Spain beat France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, it has been revealed.
The 16-year-old had lit up the tie with a beautiful goal as Luis de la Fuente’s side won 2-1, ensuring they will face England in Berlin on Sunday.
And it turns out the rising star, the youngest-ever player to score at a European Championship, has a mischievous side that left officials scrambling to subdue him.
Walking through the media’s mixed zone after his stunning performance, the Barcelona star clutched a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask, presumably preparing to wear it.
There is little doubt it was a cheeky dig at Mbappe, who was once gifted a Donatello mask by his team-mates at Paris Saint-Germain because they felt he looked like the comic and TV character.
Mbappe had also been wearing black mask for the majority of Euro 2024 after breaking his nose during France’s opener against Austria.
One of the officials walking Yamal was quick to foil his plot, however, he confiscated the mask before the youngster was interviewed.
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It shows a playful side to a teenager who has had to mature much quicker than his peers, shouldering a nation’s weight of expectation.
Yamal has been a joy to watch at the Euros, registering three assists and scoring ‘that’ goal against France – a gorgeous curling strike into the top corner from outside the penalty area.
The 16-year-old has also had to take his homework to the tournament and reportedly found out his final exam results just a couple of weeks ago.
He was brought up in his family’s home in Rocafonda, a built-up residential area around 20 miles from Barcelona and one of Spain’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
That has not stopped him from lighting up Europe and he has brought his family along for the ride.
His proud father, Mounir, shares his travels following his son’s exploits on Instagram, while his mother and sister were reduced to tears as he burst to life in the semi-final against France.
Yamal is one of the main threats posed by Spain but England would do well to also look out for left winger Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao star with whom he has bonded so well.
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Their array of attacking and midfield talent also includes established stars such as Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Rodri, and Fabian Ruiz.
After Spain booked their place in the final, manager Luis de la Fuente said of Yamal: ‘We saw a touch of genius from a footballer who we all need to take care of.
‘I would like him to work with the same humility and keep learning with the same attitude and maturity he shows on the pitch. He looks 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 games at the Euros. His side will head to Berlin for their first final since 2012, with a 100 per cent record at this year’s tournament, and the manager hailed his players and declared that Spain is in ‘its rightful place.’
‘My players are exemplary, said De la Fuente. ‘Individually they are fantastic but they always work together for the common goal.
‘This is just one more sign that this is an insatiable team that wants to keep on improving. These players are an example for every young player in our country. We want to continue making history and remain focused until Sunday’s final in Berlin,’ he added.