La Liga
Barcelona Lamine Yamal Becomes Youngest Golden Boy Winner
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal was awarded the 2024 Golden Boy award on Wednesday, becoming the youngest player to receive this honor for the best under-21 men’s player in the world.
Meanwhile, Barça Femení star Vicky López took home the Golden Girl award.
At just 17 years old, Yamal is the third Barcelona player to claim the men’s award in the past four years, succeeding his teammates Pedri and Gavi.
On the women’s side, López secured the third edition of the award, previously won by Jule Brand and Linda Caicedo.
Yamal succeeds Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the trophy last year. Other previous winners since the illustrious prize was established by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport in 2003 include Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
It is the latest in a string of accolades Yamal has received since making his debut for Barça’s senior side as a 15-year-old in 2023.
In October, he was awarded the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming the youngest player ever to receive this honor, which recognizes the best under-21 talent in men’s football.
Yamal also finished eighth in the voting for the Ballon d’Or on the back of a breakout year for club and country, helping Spain win the European Championship last summer and playing a prominent role in a new-look Barça side under Hansi Flick.
At the Euros, he earned the title of Young Player of the Tournament and was selected for the Team of the Tournament. His semifinal goal against France was also recognized as the Goal of the Tournament.
At Barcelona, he has set multiple age-related records for appearances, goals, and assists.
In 16 appearances across all competitions this season he has scored six goals and provided eight assists.
He has been sidelined for Barcelona’s last three matches due to an ankle injury.
However, coach Flick, commenting after Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Brest, indicated that he could be available for Saturday’s La Liga match against Las Palmas.
