Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has been named the 2024 Golden Boy as Europe’s top young footballer, becoming the youngest-ever winner at 17 years and four months, Italian sports daily Tuttosport announced Wednesday.
The Spanish international enjoyed a remarkable year, helping Spain capture the Euro 2024 title while setting tournament records as both its youngest player and scorer with his goal in the semifinal victory over France. His performances earned him the tournament’s Young Player award before Spain’s 2-1 triumph over England in the final.
Yamal, who emerged from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy like predecessor Lionel Messi, edged out Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Paris St Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery for the prestigious award recognizing Europe’s top under-21 player. He has maintained his impressive form this season, scoring five goals in 12 league games to help Barcelona lead LaLiga.
The teenage sensation’s Golden Boy victory follows his Kopa Trophy win at last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he finished eighth in the overall rankings. He becomes Barcelona’s fourth recipient of the award after Gavi, Pedri and Messi, joining a distinguished list of past winners including France’s Kylian Mbappe and England’s Jude Bellingham, who won last year.
In a double triumph for Barcelona’s youth development, 18-year-old attacking midfielder Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s Golden Girl award.
