Uefa Euro 2024 Young Player of the Year Lamine Yamal called winning the tournament a “dream” after producing his fourth assist in Spain's 2-1 victory over England in the final.
After a first half in which Spain dominated the ball, the second half came to life when Yamal fed teammate Nico Williams to fire home a fierce volley in the 47th minute.
Cole Palmer pulled England level 17 minutes from time but La Roja were the deserved champions with Mikel Oyarzabal's finish four minutes from time, extending their record seven-game winning streak in a single Euro edition.
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Lamine Yamal: Euro 2024 wins 'best gift'
“When England equalised, it was difficult,” Yamal told RTVE, calling himself “very happy” a day after turning 17. “I don't know what this team is made of but we always manage to bounce back.”
“This is a dream. I'm looking forward to going back to Spain to celebrate with all the fans. A perfect birthday present.”
Yamal became the youngest Euro goalscorer in history and was credited with the equalizer in Spain's 2-1 win over France in the semi-finals.
The Barcelona star also equaled Pele's record – set at the 1958 Fifa World Cup – as the youngest goalscorer at a major tournament.
Euro 2024: Spain 'best in the world'
Manager Luis de la Fuente thanked his nation after lifting their first trophy since winning Euro 2012.
“I couldn't be happier like this,” De la Fuente told the broadcaster. “We are a real team, European champions. I am proud of them with each passing day.
“It was just a question of strengthening who we are, it was a question of confidence, that [the players] be able to interpret the match.
“They are the best in the world. I have said it and I stand by it. And we can always be better.”
Spain won the Euro for the fourth time, beating Croatia, Italy, Albania and Georgia earlier in the tournament.
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