The 17-year-old FC Barcelona winger debuted for his country in last week’s 1-1 draw with Germany, becoming the second youngest Spanish international, before topping that milestone with a goal against Ukraine.
Ansu Fati netted Spain’s third goal in the 32nd minute to set the new record, which marks a rapid rise for the wonderkid who was eligible to represent Guinea-Bissau where he was born before moving to Herrera as a six-year-old with his parents so his brother could chase his own football career with FC Sevilla>.
Spain boss Luis Enrique was full of admiration for the teenager who he said deserved his chance.
“Ansu Fati is very happy and has reasons,” Luis Enrique said. “He is only 17-years-old and has to mature, but that in his second game with the national team he dares to do all this.
“He brings hard work and humility. He has trained at an impressive pace and I am glad that he goes home with this joy.
“At his age it is easy for these highs to go to your head, but he is mature enough to know that the path he is following is the best. He is very calm and humble.”
Fati’s rise comes after joining local club Herrera as a seven-year-old before moving on to Sevilla and eventually Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2012, where he debuted for the first team last year, even before playing for their reserves.
The teenager made 33 appearances and scored eight goals for Barcelona during the 2019-20 season and appears to be on a quick upward rise.
The humble youngster said after the game: “From the first day Ive been welcomed with open arms and all the confidence in the world. Now Ive to keep working as always with humility and everything will come.”