Lamine Yamal, the sensational 17-year-old Barcelona winger, has been crowned the 2024 Golden Boy, cementing his place as one of football’s brightest rising stars.
Yamal’s remarkable year for both club and country earned him the prestigious accolade, making him the youngest-ever recipient of the award.
The Barcelona prodigy joins teammates Pedri and Gavi as the third Barcelona player in four years to claim the honour, which celebrates the best under-21 player in Europe.
Yamal edged out fierce competition from promising talents like Joao Neves, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Warren Zaire-Emery to clinch the title.
Yamal’s historic year includes winning the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October, becoming the youngest player ever to receive the award.
The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best under-21 talent in men’s football.
The young forward’s stellar performances were pivotal in Spain’s triumph at the European Championship last summer, where he was named Young Player of the Tournament and included in the Team of the Tournament.
His breathtaking semifinal goal against France was also voted the Goal of the Tournament.
