'It's a dream' - Lamine Yamal reacts after winning Golden Boy award 2024

After an incredible year in which he was instrumental in Spain's victory at Euro 2024, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has won the 2024 Golden Boy award. According to the Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport, on Wednesday, Yamal was the youngest person ever to get the accolade, having just received it at the age of 17 years and 4 months. 

Lamine Yamal defeated Warren Zaire-Emery of PSG and Arda Guler of Real Madrid to win the Golden Boy Award, which honors Europe's finest player under 21. With his game-winning goal against France in the semifinals, he became the tournament's youngest-ever player and winner, earning him the Young Player of Euro 2024 award. He became the youngest player to win the Euros when Spain defeated England in the championship match.

⭐️ Lamine Yamal: “For me it's a pride to win the Golden Boy. I'm very happy and it's a dream”.

“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”. pic.twitter.com/E8IPygDuRZ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 27, 2024

At the Ballon d'Or presentation last month, Yamal, who placed seventh overall, received the Kopa Trophy for the world's greatest U21 player. With five goals in 12 games this season, the La Masia product has excelled for Barcelona, the league leaders. After Lionel Messi, Pedri, and Gavi, Yamal is the fourth Barcelona player to get the Golden Boy honor. Jude Bellingham, who won the award last year, and Kylian Mbappe are past winners. Vicky Lopez, an 18-year-old from Barcelona, won the Golden Girl award for the women's division. 

Lamine Yamal thanked taff, coaches, and teammates of the Spain and Barcelona

Winning the Golden Boy award, according to Yamal, was a dream come true for him and a source of pride. The 17-year-old also honored the staff, coaches, and teammates of Barcelona and Spain national teams.“For me it's a pride to win the Golden Boy. I'm very happy and it's a dream”. “I don't want to forget my teammates, my coaches, the staff of both Barca and the Spanish national team. It's been an incredible year and it's also ending in an incredible way," said Yamal.

Due to an ankle injury, Yamal missed Barcelona's past three games. On Wednesday, November 27, he resumed training. Yamal has contributed eight assists and six goals in 16 games in all competitions.