Lamine Yamal wins 2024 Golden Boy Award

Barcelona and Spain’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, has been named the winner of the prestigious Golden Boy award for 2024.

The accolade, presented annually by Italian publication Tuttosport, recognises the most outstanding under-21 footballer in Europe.

The announcement was made during a live-streamed event on Wednesday, with the official presentation of the trophy scheduled for December 16.

The 16-year-old winger, who also holds the Kopa Trophy in his collection, emerged victorious from a competitive field of 24 nominees, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Real Madrid’s Endrick. Other finalists included standout young talents like Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), and Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich).

This win makes Yamal the fourth Barcelona player to claim the Golden Boy award, joining a group that includes Lionel Messi (2005), Pedri González (2021), and Gavi (2022).

He is also the fourth Spanish player to receive the honour, following Pedri, Gavi, Isco Alarcón (Málaga, 2012), and Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal, 2006).

Yamal’s victory underscores his meteoric rise in European football, as the teenager continues to make waves with his dazzling performances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

The Golden Boy award, established in 2003, is considered one of the most coveted honours for young footballers, with past winners including stars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Wayne Rooney.