Lamine Yamal Is 2024 Golden Boy Award Winner

Barcelona and Spain’s talented youngster, Lamine Yamal, has been honoured with the Golden Boy award for 2024.

The Golden Boy Award, which is organized annually by the Italian sports publication Tuttosport, is designed to recognize the most exceptional footballer under the age of 21 in Europe. This esteemed accolade has long been regarded as one of the highest honours a young player can achieve, reflecting both talent and potential for future greatness.

The announcement of Yamal’s victory was made during a live-streamed event on Wednesday night, November 27. The official presentation of the trophy is set to take place on December 16, marking a significant milestone in Yamal’s burgeoning career.

At just 16 years old, Yamal has already begun to leave an indelible mark on the football world. His skilful performances as a winger have not only earned him the Golden Boy award but also the prestigious Kopa Trophy, which he won for being one of the brightest young talents in global football.

Yamal triumphed over a competitive field of 24 nominees, demonstrating his extraordinary ability in the face of stiff competition from other emerging stars such as Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United, Warren Zaïre-Emery from Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid’s Endrick.

Other notable finalists in this year’s nomination included Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), and Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich).

With this latest award, Yamal becomes the fourth player from FC Barcelona to win the Golden Boy award. He joins an elite group that features legendary talents like Lionel Messi, who won the award in 2005, along with fellow Catalan stars Pedri González (2021) and Gavi (2022).

The honour also places Yamal in an exclusive circle of Spanish footballers, as he is the fourth to receive this recognition, following in the footsteps of Pedri, Gavi, Isco Alarcón (who won while playing for Málaga in 2012), and Cesc Fàbregas (who was awarded while at Arsenal in 2006).