It’s now official — Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been crowned the winner of the 2024 Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or Gala in Paris.
At just 17 years old, Yamal has had a breakout year to remember. After making his first-team debut for Barça last season, the young forward quickly cemented his place in Xavi Hernández’s squad and played a starring role in Spain’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2024.
His outstanding performances throughout the year have now been recognized with the prestigious Kopa Trophy — an award given annually to the best Under-21 footballer in the world.
Yamal follows in the footsteps of former winners like Jude Bellingham (2023), Pedri (2021), and Gavi (2022), bringing the trophy back to Catalonia once again. He beat out fierce competition from emerging stars including Pau Cubarsí, Arda Güler, Alejandro Garnacho, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Kobbie Mainoo , João Neves, and more.
Adding to the accolades, Yamal also secured a top-ten finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings — becoming the youngest player in history to do so.
A generational talent has truly arrived on the world stage.
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