Spain midfielder Mikel Merino’s eye-catching celebration after his winning goal against Germany at Euro 2024 was a touching nod to his father, Angel.
Merino headed home in the 119th minute to knock out the tournament hosts in breathtaking fashion before heading over to the corner flag at the Stuttgart Arena.
There, he circled around it, appeared to click his fingers and then looked to the sky.
It was revealed shortly after the final whistle that the gesture had been inspired by his dad, who performed an identical celebration during his playing career.
Angel, a former LaLiga player, even performed it at the exact same stadium.
Mikel Merino scored Spain’s winner against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals
The midfielder celebrated at the corner flag and circled it, a touching nod to his father
Angel Merino performed the exact same gesture after scoring at the same stadium in 1991
Back in 1991, Merino Snr scored to put Osasuna 2-0 against Stuttgart in the second leg of their UEFA Cup second round tie, in which they triumphed 3-2.
33 years on, his son rose above Antonio Rudiger to meet Lamine Yamal’s inch-perfect cross and steer a header beyond rooted goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Merino has a close affection for the venue, having also made his international debut for Spain in a 1-1 draw with Germany there four years before his stunning, late winner.
Speaking after sealing his country’s spot in the final four, he said: ‘I’m dead. The adrenaline is taking its toll on me. It was a unique moment.
‘It was a goal in the 119th minute, but there is a collective effort behind it. Being tied in the 90th minute is a blow, but we deserved it.
Merino Jnr met Lamine Yamal’s inch-perfect header and guided his header past Manuel Neuer
The 119th-minute winner (pictured) set up a dramatic semi-final showdown against France
‘It was the match we were all waiting for, between two of the best in the world. It could be a Euros or World Cup final.
‘We know how to suffer, we have a great team. There’s something about this stadium that makes us lucky. My father also scored here. And I made my debut.’
Spain will next play France after Les Blues beat Portugal on penalties last night.