Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has added another accolade to his growing list of achievements, being named the 2024 Golden Boy.
The 17-year-old, who emerged as a standout talent from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, was widely regarded as the favourite to clinch the prestigious award.
This latest achievement comes just weeks after Yamal secured the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October, recognising him as the best male player under the age of 21.
While the Kopa Trophy is decided by former Ballon d’Or winners, the Golden Boy award is selected by sports journalists and celebrates the top-performing U21 player in Europe’s leading leagues.
By winning the Golden Boy, Yamal joins the ranks of previous Barcelona and Spain stars Gavi and Pedri.
In 2005, Lionel Messi, often seen as Yamal’s inspiration and a frequent point of comparison, also won the Golden Boy award.
2024 just gets better and better for Lamine Yamal…
He is the GOLDEN BOY. 💫 pic.twitter.com/wyqDjTmLyl
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) November 27, 2024
A viral photo from Yamal’s infancy shows the young star receiving Messi’s “blessing,” a moment that resonates even more strongly now as Yamal continues to follow in his idol’s footsteps.
Yamal’s remarkable rise to stardom includes winning the European Championship with Spain this summer, capping off a breakout season at Barcelona.
His performances earned him a regular spot on the right wing under then-coach Xavi Hernandez.
This season, under new manager Hansi Flick, Yamal has maintained the exceptional form that saw him shine at the Euros, helping Barcelona claim the top spot in La Liga ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
In a memorable El Clasico performance, Yamal scored his first goal against Madrid during a resounding 4-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, just days before collecting the Kopa Trophy.
Although Yamal is currently sidelined with a minor muscle overload, he is expected to return to action on Saturday when Barcelona hosts Las Palmas in La Liga.
