The Golden boy Award: Lamine Yamal
Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has been honored with the 2024 Golden Boy Award for the best young talent in the world. The announcement as captured by renowned football magazine, The New York times today, November 27, 2024, marks another milestone in the 17-year-old’s talent. Making him the youngest player to win the award ever at the age of 17 years and 4 month.
The La Masia graduate, Yamal made his senior debut on 23 April, 2023 at the age of 15 years 9 months and quickly earned a spot as a regular starter. His performances have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi who he often considered “His GOAT”, who also began his journey at La Masia and won the Golden Boy award in 2005.
The young talent was exceptional the previous season for both club and country, playing a crucial role in his national, Spain, winning the 2024 Euros. He was Awarded Young player of the tournament.
In a recent interview, Yamal expressed his joy at receiving the honor.
“For me, it’s a pride to win the Golden Boy. I’m very happy, and it’s a dream,” he said.
The young star also took the opportunity to thank those who have supported him throughout his journey.
“I don’t want to forget my teammates, my coaches, the staff of both Barça and the Spanish national team. It’s been an incredible year, and it’s also ending in an incredible way.
By becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the Golden Boy Award, Yamal has set a new benchmark in football history. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his promising career continues to unfold.
Golden boy’s Best young talent of the year
2003: Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax)
2004: Wayne Rooney (Everton/Manchester United)
2005: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2006: Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal)
2007: Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid)
2008: Anderson (Manchester United)
2009: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan)
2010: Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan/Manchester City)
2011: Mario Götze (Borussia Dortmund)
2012: Isco (Málaga)
2013: Paul Pogba (Juventus)
2014: Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
2015: Anthony Martial (Monaco/Manchester United)
2016: Renato Sanches (Benfica/Bayern Munich)
2017: Kylian Mbappé (Monaco/Paris Saint-Germain)
2018: Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
2019: João Félix (Benfica/Atlético Madrid)
2020: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
2021: Pedri (Barcelona)
2022: Gavi (Barcelona)
2023: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/Real Madrid)
2024: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Source: footygazette.com
