'With more determination' - Lamine Yamal eager to make comeback from injury

The 17-year-old striker Lamine Yamal is still enjoying the limelight, winning another award to cap off an incredible 2024 and cement his place among football's best players. Following his Kopa Trophy victory and Golden Boy designation, the youthful forward earned his third solo honor on Friday when he was named the Globe Soccer Award's Best Emerging Player. 

Lamine Yamal defeated several strong candidates to win the Globe Soccer poll. He was crucial to Spain's triumph at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, which may have put him on the podium before the others. When questioned Yamal about how he handles the intense attention and acclaim at such a young age, he demonstrated his level-headedness. "At the end of the day, I focus on thinking and playing football. I am incredibly thankful for all the legends who have spoken kindly about me, especially Neymar, who has been my idol forever," he said.

Yamal is currently unable to play for Barcelona because of an ankle injury, but he is aiming to get well quickly. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's top winger, has promised to "come back better" following a La Liga match earlier this month that injured his right ankle. "I am in recovery which I am very sure I will come back from and with more determination," Yamal said in the video posted by Barcelona on social media. 

Lamine Yamal key member of Barcelona's squad

With six goals and 12 assists in 20 games this season, Yamal has been a key member of Barcelona's squad. Due to the injury, he was unable to play in Barcelona's devastating 2-1 home loss to Atletico Madrid on December 21, which was the team's last La Liga match of the year. Before heading to Jeddah for the four-team Spanish Super Cup, the Catalan team will play fourth-tier Barbastro in the Copa del Rey final 32 on January 4. His next goal is to get well in time for January 8 Supercopa de Espana semifinal matchup with Athletic Club.