The Golden Boy award for 2024 has been given to Lamine Yamal, a rising stars who plays for Barcelona and Spain.
Every year, the Italian journal Tuttosport presents the award, which honours the best under-21 football player in Europe.
A live-streamed event on Wednesday made the news, and the trophy will be formally presented on December 16.
The 16-year-old winger, who also holds the Kopa Trophy in his collection, emerged victorious from a competitive field of 24 nominees, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Real Madrid’s Endrick. Other finalists included standout young talents like Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), and Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich).
This win makes Yamal the fourth Barcelona player to claim the Golden Boy award, joining a group that includes Lionel Messi (2005), Pedri González (2021), and Gavi (2022).
He is also the fourth Spanish player to receive the honour, following Pedri, Gavi, Isco Alarcón (Málaga, 2012), and Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal, 2006).
Yamal’s victory underscores his meteoric rise in European football, as the teenager continues to make waves with his dazzling performances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
The Golden Boy award, established in 2003, is considered one of the most coveted honours for young footballers, with past winners including stars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Wayne Rooney.
