New Delhi: Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal shows no sign of stopping. In a year and a half, he has broken all kinds of records, setting himself apart from his age group players. At just 17 Yamal became the youngest ever recipient to win the prestigious Raymond Kopa Award for the best young player.
The La Masia sensation also became the youngest-ever footballer to make it to the Top 30 nominees in Ballon d’Or history and now yesterday even secured a place in the Top 10 of the final Ballon d’Or rankings.
🚨⭐️ OFFICIAL: Lamine Yamal is in the TOP 10 of the 2024 Ballon D’Or rankings. pic.twitter.com/ad1nuBLceY
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) October 28, 2024
Yamal is adding feather after feather to his cap and is inarguably the best young footballer in the game at this point. His recent entry into the Top 10 of the Ballon d’Or final rankings marks a significant moment in football history, setting a new benchmark for young players around the world.
Sharing the prestigious stage with the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Harry Kane, Yamal has proven that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. His presence alongside seasoned superstars such as Jude Bellingham, Lautaro Martinez, and Rodri, as well as the legendary Toni Kroos, is a testament to his exceptional talent and growing influence on the sport.
A new era for Barcelona and Spain
The first thing Lamine Yamal did when they showed all of his accomplishments at his age was thank his teammates 🥲❤️ pic.twitter.com/D9TyEqshty
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 28, 2024
Yamal’s performances this year have been nothing short of extraordinary sparking widespread admiration from fans and experts alike. His unique blend of technical skill, vision, and maturity on the field has turned heads and earned him accolades both domestically and internationally.
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick at Barcelona and Luis de la Fuente with the Spanish national team, Yamal has blossomed and become a key asset to any squad he is part of. His composure and consistency have drawn comparisons to one of the greatest players of all time Lionel Messi with many even believing he could be one of the game’s future icons.
Reflecting on his record-breaking year Yamal expressed gratitude toward his mentors and the club. “Thank you, Luis de la Fuente, Xavi, and Hansi Flick,” he said while receiving his award.
LAMINE YAMAL IS THE 2024 KOPA TROPHY!
The 17 year old spanish wonder boy can’t be stopped! ✨🇪🇸 #TrophéeKopa #ballondor pic.twitter.com/UhOGzLTYCF
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
The Kopa Trophy win places him among Barcelona’s finest young talents. Pedri claimed it in 2021 followed by Gavi in 2022 solidifying Barcelona’s influence in shaping the next gen of football stars. With the support of Barcelona and Spain’s coaching teams, Yamal is well-equipped to continue shattering records and inspiring young footballers worldwide.
With a long career still ahead of him, Yamal’s presence on the Ballon d’Or stage as a teenager speaks volumes about his bright future. As he continues to make a mark his story inspires not only Barcelona fans but all who follow football proving that with talent and determination the highest peaks of the game can be reached early.
