Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has made history by winning the 2024 Golden Boy award, becoming the youngest-ever recipient at just 17 years and four months old.
This achievement caps off an exceptional year for the young star, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024.
Yamal’s impressive performances outshone other contenders, including Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery. The Golden Boy award, which recognises the best player under 21 in European football, adds to Yamal’s growing list of accolades.
The winger was named Young Player of Euro 2024 after playing a key part in Spain’s victory. He not only became the youngest player to appear in a Euro final but also scored the youngest-ever goal in a semi-final against France. Yamal helped Spain secure the European title with a 2-1 win over England in the final.
In addition to his Euro success, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player in the world at the Ballon d’Or ceremony last month, finishing eighth in the overall ranking. His strong form continues this season with Barcelona, scoring five goals in 12 league appearances.
Yamal’s Golden Boy win places him among footballing greats like Kylian Mbappe, Wayne Rooney, and Jude Bellingham, who have previously claimed the title. He is now the fourth Barcelona player to win this prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Gavi, Pedri, and the great Lionel Messi.
In other award news, Barcelona’s 18-year-old attacking midfielder, Vicky Lopez, also won the 2024 Golden Girl award, further highlighting the club’s strong youth development.
| Competition | MP | Goals | Assists | PEN | Min’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 12 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 980′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 330′ |
| UEFA Nations League | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 226′ |
| Total (2024/2025) | 19 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 1536′ |
Barcelona and Lamine Yamal will be hoping that the Golden Boy Award is only the start of something historical in the offing.