LaLiga: Barcelona and Spain’s Lamine Yamal wins 2024 Golden Boy award

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has clinched the 2024 Golden Boy award, marking an extraordinary year in which he played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. At just 17 years and four months, Yamal is the youngest-ever recipient of the award, as reported by Italian sports daily Tuttosport on Wednesday.

The Golden Boy award, celebrating Europe’s best player under 21, saw Yamal surpass Real Madrid’s Arda G¼ler and PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery. He also won the Young Player of Euro 2024 honour, becoming the tournament’s youngest-ever participant and scorer after his decisive goal against France in the semifinals. Spain’s victory over England in the final made him the youngest player to win the Euros.

Last month, Yamal was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best U21 player at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he also finished eighth overall. This season, the La Masia graduate has shone for La Liga leaders Barcelona, scoring five goals in 12 matches.

Also Read: Pep Guardiola clarifies ‘want to hurt myself’ comment with statement on Instagram

Yamal is the fourth Barcelona player to win the Golden Boy award, joining Lionel Messi, Pedri, and Gavi. Previous winners include Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, who claimed the prize last year. On the women’s side, Barcelona’s 18-year-old Vicky L³pez earned the Golden Girl award.

What Lamine Yamal said

Yamal said it was a pride for him to win the Golden Boy award and claimed it was a dream for him. The 17-year-old also paid tribute to his teammates, coaches and the staff of both the Barcelona and Spain national teams.

“For me it’s a pride to win the Golden Boy. I’m very happy and it’s a dream”.

“I don’t want to forget my teammates, my coaches, the staff of both Barça and the Spanish national team. It’s been an incredible year and it’s also ending in an incredible way,” said Yamal.

Yamal missed the last 3 games for Barcelona due to an ankle injury and returned to training on Wednesday, November 27. In 16 matches across all competitions, Yamal has scored six goals and provided eight assists.