Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has won the prestigious 2024 Golden Boy award, becoming the youngest recipient in history.
The accolade, presented annually to the best under-21 male player worldwide, was awarded on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Barça Femení standout Vicky López secured the Golden Girl award, highlighting a double triumph for the club.
At just 17, Yamal follows in the footsteps of teammates Pedri and Gavi, marking the third time in four years a Barcelona player has claimed the honour.
López, on the other hand, becomes the third-ever winner of the women’s award, joining previous recipients Jule Brand and Linda Caicedo.
Yamal takes over the mantle from 2023 winner, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid. The award, established by Italian sports outlet Tuttosport in 2003, boasts an illustrious list of past winners, including Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi.
This latest recognition adds to Yamal’s growing list of accolades since debuting for Barcelona’s senior team at just 15 in 2023.
In October, he made history by becoming the youngest winner of the Kopa Trophy, awarded at the Ballon d’Or ceremony for the best under-21 player in men’s football. His standout performances also earned him an eighth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting.
Yamal’s breakthrough year included helping Spain secure the European Championship last summer.
His contributions were rewarded with several honours, including Young Player of the Tournament, a spot in the Team of the Tournament, and the Goal of the Tournament for his stunning semifinal strike against France.
At Barça, he has consistently shattered age-related records for appearances, goals, and assists.
This season, Yamal has already notched six goals and eight assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Although sidelined for the past three matches due to an ankle injury, coach Hansi Flick hinted at a possible return for Saturday’s LaLiga clash against Las Palmas, following Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Brest.
