Lamine Yamal Wins 2024 Golden Boy Award
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the 2024 Golden Boy award. This accolade highlights his outstanding performances during a year that saw him contribute significantly to Spain’s success in Euro 2024. At just 17 years and four months old, Yamal becomes the youngest player ever to receive this honor, according to reports from the Italian sports publication Tuttosport.
The Golden Boy award is presented to the best player in Europe aged under 21. Yamal outshined notable competitors such as Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery. In addition to this recognition, Yamal also took home the Young Player of Euro 2024 award. He made history as the youngest participant and scorer in the tournament, having scored a crucial goal against France in the semifinals. Spain’s victory over England in the final made him the youngest player to ever win the Euros.
Recently, Yamal was also celebrated with the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which recognizes the best U21 player globally, where he ranked eighth overall. In the current season, he has been a standout player for La Liga leaders Barcelona, netting five goals in 12 matches.
Yamal is the fourth player from Barcelona to win the prestigious Golden Boy award, joining the ranks of football legends like Lionel Messi, Pedri, and Gavi. Previous recipients include Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, who took home the award last year. On the women’s side, Barcelona’s young talent Vicky López claimed the Golden Girl award.
Lamine Yamal’s Reaction
Yamal expressed immense pride in his achievement, referring to it as a dream come true. He dedicated the award to his teammates, coaches, and the staff from both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
"It’s a great pride for me to win the Golden Boy. I’m really happy, and it’s a dream," Yamal shared. "I cannot forget my teammates, my coaches, and the staff at both Barça and the Spanish national team. This year has been incredible, and it’s ending in an incredible way."
Unfortunately, Yamal missed the last three games for Barcelona due to an ankle injury, but he returned to training on November 27. So far this season, he has scored six goals and provided eight assists across all competitions.
