- Yamal claims Golden Boy award and succeeds Jude Bellingham as winner
- Barcelona and Spain wonderkid enjoyed a remarkable breakout year
- Teenager beat Joao Neves, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Warren Zaire-Emery to the prize
Lamine Yamal has won the 2024 Golden Boy award for his astounding breakout year with Barcelona and Spain.
The prodigious 17-year-old has emerged as one of the best young talents in the world over the past year and was named the Kopa Trophy winner at the Ballon d'Or ceremony at the end of October.
He has now been handed another prestigious gong, beating the likes of Joao Neves, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Warren Zaire-Emery among others to claim the silverware.
The Golden Boy prize is awarded by Italian sport newspaper Tuttosport to the best young footballer in the world. Previous winners include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappe and 2023 victor Jude Bellingham.
⭐ 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 ⭐ pic.twitter.com/Sf3cQp8W4E
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 27, 2024
Yamal is also the fifth Spaniard to win the Golden Boy - the most of any nation - after previous successes for Cesc Fabregas, Isco, Pedri and Gavi.
It completes a unique double for Barcelona, with women's star Vicky Lopez picking up the Golden Girl award. Aitana Bonmati was also named the Golden Player Woman 2024.
Having made his first-team debut at just 15 years, nine months and 16 days old in April 2023, Yamal soon became undroppable under former manager Xavi Hernandez as he impressed with his fleet-footed dribbling and ability to create chances.
While Barca missed out on silverware in 2023/24, the teenager played a pivotal role during Spain's glorious Euro 2024 run, scoring once and contributing four assists as he was named Young Player of the Tournament.
He has since scored six goals in 16 appearances in the 2024/25 season as the Blaugrana aim to regain their La Liga title, but a recent ankle injury has meant Yamal has had to miss three club games. However, he is expected to return to fitness in time for Saturday's clash with Las Palmas.
