Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal shone in front of all-time NBA legend Michael Jordan, who was in attendance during the club’s UCL opener against Monaco. The 17-year-old, however, failed to guide his team to victory, as they suffered a disastrous 2-1 loss.
Lamine Yamal registered his name on the scoresheet against Monaco by scoring a brilliant equalizer from the edge of the box in the 28th minute of the match. Barcelona had previously fallen behind due to Maghnes Akliouche’s 16th minute opener and Eric Garcia’s first-half red card.
Despite Yamal’s goal, the Catalan side lost to the home side. Substitute George Ilenikheana struck the winner in the 71st minute of the match, shocking fans all around the world. American basketball legend Michael Jordan, who attended the match at the Stade Louis II in Monaco, was, however, left impressed by Yamal’s performance.
The former NBA superstar added glamour to the match, as he was pictured seated in the corporate section of the stadium. Meanwhile, the goal marked Lamine’s first ever strike in the Champions League, marking a delightful beginning to his budding career.
Lamine Yamal nets his first Champions League goal of the season in front of Michael Jordan 👏 pic.twitter.com/kPTJssxHqv
— 433 (@433) September 19, 2024
Meanwhile, the defeat marked Barcelona’s first loss of the new season after winning five games in a row under new manager Hansi Flick. The La Liga side will next face Young Boys in the UCL, followed by their biggest challenge in German giants and arch-rivals, Bayern Munich.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal’s records with both club and country
In what could be considered a meteoric rise in football, Lamine Yamal has achieved massive success with both his club, Barcelona, and the Spanish national team. The 17-year-old has shattered multiple records, most recently becoming the youngest to win the Euros.
17-year-old Lamine Yamal has shattered numerous records with both club and country (via X)Having made his UCL debut against Royal Antwerp last season, he became the second-youngest player to feature in the competition, behind Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko. He became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish top flight, at just 16 years and 87 days old. Moreover, he became the youngest player to ever feature, score, and assist at the Euros.
Yamal has made a brilliant start to the new season as well, scoring four goals and four assists in just six appearances. The winger is just inches behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres in goal contributions this season.
