Lamine Yamal, a winger for Barcelona, earned the 2024 Golden Boy award on Wednesday, concluding a year in which he assisted Spain in winning Euro 2024.
At the age of 17, Yamal is the youngest recipient of the award in history, according to an Italian sports weekly Tuttosport.
The honour honours players under 21 who are active in Europe, and Yamal was selected before Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris St. Germain and Arda Guler of Real Madrid.
In Germany, where he was crowned Young Player of Euro 2024, Yamal became the youngest player to compete in the finals and the youngest scorer of the competition with his goal in the semi-final victory over France.
When Spain defeated England 2-1 in the final, he became the youngest player to win the Euros.
He also took home the Kopa Trophy for best world player under 21 at last month’s Ballon d’Or presentation, placing seventh overall.
Like Lionel Messi, Yamal grew up in Barcelona’s La Masia program and has maintained his stellar play this season, scoring five goals in 12 league games for the league leaders.
Jude Bellingham of England and Real Madrid won the award last season; other winners include Wayne Rooney, a former England attacker, and Kylian Mbappe of France.
After Gavi, Pedri, and Messi, Yamal is the fourth Barca player to win it.
Vicky Lopez, an 18-year-old offensive midfielder for Barcelona, was named the Golden Girl.
