Lamine Yamal Wins 2024 Golden Boy Award After Spectacular Breakout Year

Lamine Yamal has been awarded the 2024 Golden Boy title, capping off a remarkable breakthrough year with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

The 17-year-old sensation has firmly established himself as one of football’s brightest young talents, having already claimed the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October. Now, he adds another prestigious accolade to his collection, surpassing competitors like Joao Neves, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Warren Zaire-Emery to claim the coveted prize.

Presented annually by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport, the Golden Boy award recognizes the world’s best young footballer. Past recipients include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappé, and last year’s winner, Jude Bellingham. Yamal’s triumph also extends Spain’s dominance in the award, making him the fifth Spaniard to win after Cesc Fàbregas, Isco, Pedri, and Gavi—the most by any nation.

This year marks a unique double for Barcelona, as women’s star Vicky López claimed the Golden Girl award, while Aitana Bonmatí was named the 2024 Golden Player Woman.

Yamal’s meteoric rise began with his first-team debut for Barcelona at just 15 years, nine months, and 16 days in April 2023. Under former manager Xavi Hernández, he quickly became indispensable, dazzling fans with his skillful dribbling and creative playmaking. While Barcelona fell short of silverware in the 2023/24 season, Yamal was instrumental in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, contributing one goal and four assists en route to being named Young Player of the Tournament.

Despite a recent ankle injury sidelining him for three matches, Yamal has already netted six goals in 16 appearances during the 2024/25 season, as Barcelona pursue the La Liga title. He is expected to return to action for Saturday’s clash with Las Palmas.