Yamal surpasses Mbappe as youngest ever to reach UCL milestone

Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe

Barcelona youngester Lamine Yamal has broken Kylian Mbappe’s record to become the youngest player to reach 25 goal contributions in UEFA Champions League history. The 19-year-old achieved the milestone during Barcelona’s 4-1 comeback victory over Galatasaray, providing two assists in the match.Yamal set up Fermín’s goal in the 50th minute before assisting Anthony Gordon three minutes later.With this performance, he took his Champions League tally to 12 goals and 14 assists, reaching 25 goal contributions at the age of 19 years and 92 days. Mbappe previously held the record, having achieved the feat at 20 years and 306 days.

Yamal’s dribble steals the show

Although Gordon scored Barcelona’s third goal, Yamal grabbed attention with an impressive dribble that created the scoring opportunity.

After receiving the ball on the right side outside the penalty area, he used a step-over before pulling off a clever fake “rabona” to get past Galatasaray defender Eren Elmali. He then passed the ball to Gordon, who scored from close range.A rabona is a football move in which a player swings one leg behind the other to kick the ball. Yamal used a variation of the trick to beat his opponent and create space for the pass. Elmali appeared momentarily caught off guard by the move.

Yamal described it as a “near-rabona” and explained his thinking after the match.“I've noticed lately that defenders have been diving to the ground whenever I make a run toward the backline,” Yamal said in a post-match interview with CBS Sports. “I saw an opportunity to pull off the move, which looks good but is also effective. I'm happy with it. I'm always trying to refine my dribbles to create more space. Defenders are always trying to close you down, so any kind of dribble that creates space is a lifesaver.

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A record-breaking young Talent

After Gordon scored, several Barcelona players celebrated with the England forward, while others rushed to embrace Yamal.“He always surprises you,” Barcelona midfielder Rodri said.Yamal has also enjoyed an impressive season, recording 12 goals and 10 assists in 14 appearances for club and country. His Champions League achievement puts him ahead of Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi, highlighting his rapid rise among football’s biggest young stars.