It’s Friday evening in Mataró, Spain. Our correspondent, Gerard Bos, observes a sparse crowd, all dressed in orange, watching the France vs. Netherlands match. A little further away, the members of the Formula 2 team, Rodin, are enjoying a well-deserved meal while watching the football game. It’s no surprise, given they have a Dutchman, Stefan de Groot, on their team. But what else?
There are no hordes of orange-clad fans swaying from side to side here. No heads adorned with bunches of carrots. There simply aren’t that many Dutch people in Mataró, which is likely the reason.
But there’s more to it. The European Championship doesn’t resonate in this suburb of Barcelona. The day before, there was the final-worthy clash between Spain and Italy. You’d think the locals would be on their feet for their country. “Not at all,” a waiter shakes his head. “Catalunya, amigo.”
Ah, that explains it. I should have known. Sure, people in various pubs are watching the match. But passionately cheering for Spain? No. Except for one player: Lamine Yamal.
“VAMOS!” the waiter exclaims when I mention that name. Others perk up too. Indeed, they are proud of the youngest participant in the European Championship. He’s only 16 years old. SIXTEEN. A star in football, much like Max Verstappen was in Formula 1 at that age. Yamal is already seen as the new Messi, playing for Barcelona. And he’s from Mataró, from the Rocafonda neighborhood.
They are so proud of him. Just shout his name in Mataró, and suddenly, the European Championship comes alive. But when I jokingly shout “Viva Hollandia” to the waiter, in my best broken Spanish, the enthusiasm immediately fades. A polite smile is all I get in return. Not surprising, of course, here they only cheer for Lamine Yamal. And for Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.
