By: Brady Cheng

Spain won the Euro 2024 Final with a 2-1. They talked to their fans, draped themselves with flags, and sympathized with their English opponents. Then, they gathered on the podium that was made on the field at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old player for Spain, was too excited. He danced, and he knew that he would have the chance to lift the trophy, raising an imaginary trophy three times.

When Spain’s players were told to receive their prizes, he went a bit too early. He ran onto the podium before the dignitaries went on the stage, and his teammates had to call him back.

Even though he is only 17, he can claim a lot of credit for winning. His goal turned the semifinal with France, and his pass to Nico Williams that won their game on Sunday.

The match was famous. A survey found that 87 percent of Spaniards planned to watch the final match. The airline Iberia said they would show the game on planes flying during the match.

This team represents Spain better because the players come from different backgrounds. Yamal, for example, has Moroccan roots and grew up in a neighborhood in Catalonia that has been criticized by a far-right party in Spain, and he is playing for Spain. Williams’ parents came from Ghana, while Oyarzabal is Basque. This national pride likely helped spread excitement for the team’s success to areas in Spain where there are strong feelings about separation from the country.

Big screens were set up in the Basque Country and Catalunya for fans to watch the final, even though those regions are not supportive of the Spanish national team.

Now you know a 17-year-old that is part of the Spain team, and remember you can do anything if you try hard enough.