Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Becomes Youngest-Ever Golden Boy Winner

Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Golden Boy award, Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport announced on Wednesday. 

At just 17 years and four months, Yamal is the youngest recipient in the award’s history, capping off a stellar year that saw him play a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.

The Golden Boy award that recognizes Europe’s best player under the age of 21 saw Yamal edge out Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery. Yamal’s achievements this year include being named the Young Player of Euro 2024 in Germany, where he set records as the youngest player to appear in the finals and the youngest scorer in the tournament’s history with his crucial semi-final goal against France.

Yamal’s contributions were instrumental in Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, making him the youngest player to win the prestigious tournament. His exceptional performances continued at the Ballon d’Or ceremony last month, where he was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 and placed eighth overall in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

Domestically, Yamal has been in scintillating form for Barcelona this season, scoring five goals in 12 La Liga matches for the league leaders. Having come through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy—following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi—Yamal has solidified his position as one of football’s brightest young talents.

He joins an illustrious group of past Golden Boy winners, including Kylian Mbappe, Wayne Rooney, and Jude Bellingham, who won the award in 2023. Yamal is the fourth Barcelona player to claim the prize, following Gavi, Pedri, and Messi.

Adding to Barcelona’s celebrations, 18-year-old midfielder Vicky Lopez claimed the Golden Girl award, marking a double triumph for the Catalan club.