Spain’s Lamine Yamal makes history as youngest-ever Golden Boy winner
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has been named the winner of the 2024 Golden Boy award, becoming the youngest-ever recipient at just 17 years and four months old. The award honors the best players under the age of 21 in European football. Yamal won the prestigious title ahead of Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery.
Yamal had an outstanding year, playing a key role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024. He was named the tournament’s Young Player, setting records as the youngest player to appear in a Euro final and the youngest to score in the competition. His goal in the semi-final against France further highlighted his talent. Yamal also helped Spain win the Euros, defeating England 2-1 in the final.
In addition to his success at Euro 2024, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 at the Ballon d’Or ceremony last month and finished eighth in the overall Ballon d’Or rankings. He has continued his strong performances this season with Barcelona, scoring five goals in 12 league appearances.
Yamal joins a prestigious list of past Golden Boy winners, including Kylian Mbappe and Wayne Rooney, and becomes the fourth Barcelona player to win the award, following Gavi, Pedri, and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s 18-year-old attacking midfielder Vicky Lopez won the Golden Girl award.
