Why it’s illegal for Spain’s teenage star to play 90 minutes at Euro 2024

It’s not easy to become a consistent 90-minute player at football’s highest level. And it’s even harder when it is literally illegal for you to be on the pitch for that long.

At just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal has already made history by taking the field for Spain at Euro 2024, becoming the youngest player in the tournament’s history, having last season become Barcelona’s youngest debutant in over a century.

Spain’s teenage wonder Lamine Yamal is technically breaking Germany’s labour laws in late games at Euro 2024.Credit: Getty

But there is an unusual obstacle which is complicating his involvement: labour laws in Germany, the host nation, which are designed to protect young workers but are instead exposing La Roja to the possibility of heavy financial penalties simply for fielding one of their best players.

Under German law, minors are not allowed to work past 8pm. While there is an exception for athletes, who are given an extended curfew of 11pm, that’s still problematic for Yamal at the moment, because according to reports, when half-time and post-match commitments like media duties are counted, a full match would put him past the deadline.

And since Spain’s last match in the round of 16 against Georgia kicked off at 9pm local time, by keeping him on the field for the full 90 minutes, coach Luis de la Fuente technically left the Spanish federation (RFEF) open to a €30,000 ($48,160) fine for contravening the legislation.

The good news is it shouldn’t be an issue for Friday’s quarter-final against Germany in Stuttgart, since the match is slated to begin at 6pm (Saturday 2am AEST) - so even if it goes to penalties, Yamal won’t be breaking any rules by staying out there.

The teenager became Barcelona’s youngest debutant in over a century last season.Credit: Getty

The bad news is that, if Spain beats Germany, it will be an issue again for their semi-final against Portugal or France, because that clash is another 9pm kick-off, and for the final, since even though he turns 17 the day before, he would still be considered a minor in Germany.

Nobody is quite sure whether the legislation will actually be enforced, and how serious the situation really is, but it’s fair to assume the RFEF will be happy to pay whatever it costs to have Yamal involved if it means they win the trophy - and if they go all the way, in theory, the bill could be as much as €150,000.

“We’re all responsible for his wellbeing. We’re going to do our job and let him play. Nothing more”, de la Fuente said before the Georgia match. “I don’t know the German legislation. Does Lamine have to be removed by 23:00? I don’t think so.”

Yamal has been instrumental in Spain’s progress through the group stages and into the knockout rounds. His ability to take on defenders, create scoring opportunities, and maintain composure under pressure has made him an important player for them now, not just for the future, and a key reason why de la Fuente’s tactical tweaks have worked so well at this tournament.

Not bad for a kid who has schoolwork to get through between training sessions and matches.

“I brought my homework here,” Yamal said before the Euros began last month. “I have online classes too and those are going fine. I hope the teacher doesn’t get mad at me.”

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.