Baichung Bhutia Lauds Lamine Yamal Ahead of UEFA Euros 2024 Final

Former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia expressed high praise for 16-year-old Spanish winger Lamine Yamal ahead of the UEFA Euros 2024 final between Spain and England. Yamal's standout semi-final performance has sparked talks of a bright future, potentially including a Ballon d'Or win.

As the UEFA Euros 2024 final between Spain and England fast approaches, former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia has heaped praise on young Spanish winger Lamine Yamal. Bhutia, speaking to ANI, highlighted Yamal's potential to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. The 16-year-old's impressive 25-yard strike in the semi-finals against France made him the youngest player to score in a major tournament. His quick footwork and precise shot stunned French keeper Mike Maignan and ignited hopes among fans.

'Yamal's got age on his side. He's just going to be 17 next month. The future is very bright for him,' Bhutia said. 'He's one of the potential future superstars, and we will hear a lot about him. I believe he could be a frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or in the years to come, if not this year.'

Spain and England will face off in the UEFA Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany on Monday. The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network. Under the leadership of head coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain has impressed with their tiki-taka style of play, showcasing a fluid attack driven by the creativity of young talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte have fortified Spain's defense, providing a solid foundation for their attacking prowess, which has seen them score 13 goals from 108 attempts en route to the final.

(With inputs from agencies.)