Lamine Yamal continues to write new chapters in his extraordinary journey as a professional footballer. At just 17, he’s already shattered nearly every record for young players in both La Liga and Europe (just check out how far he is ahead of Messi). Now, he can proudly add the Kopa Trophy to his collection—a prize given to the world’s best player under 21, this year for 2024—which many believe will be the first of many. His name also appeared among the finalists for the Ballon d’Or. Arda Güler (Real Madrid) took second place, followed by Mainoo (Manchester United) in third, Savinho (Manchester City) in fourth after his stellar season with Girona, and Barcelona’s own Cubarsí in fifth. “I want to thank my father, my mother, my grandmother. Also the coaching staff, especially Xavi before and now Hansi (Flick), and my teammates. Visca el Barça and Capital 304 [the postal code for his neighborhood, Rocafonda, in Mataró],” Yamal said upon accepting his award, at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Lamine Yamal, favorite from the start

The Barcelona winger was the favorite among the ten nominees—Cubarsí (Barcelona), Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Zaïre-Emery (PSG), João Neves (PSG), Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Mathys Tel (Bayern), Savinho (Manchester City), and Karim Konaté (Salzburg)—thanks to his leadership role on a major European team like Barcelona, where he’s already a regular starter, and his achievements with the Spanish national team. Last summer, he played a decisive role in Spain’s Euro win, scoring a stunning goal in the semifinal against France and delivering four assists, one to Nico Williams in the final against England.

Though Barcelona didn’t claim any trophies last season, Lamine established himself as a starter, playing 37 La Liga games, scoring five goals, and contributing seven assists. In the Champions League, he featured in ten matches and, though he didn’t score, he provided two assists. His growth has continued this season under Hansi Flick, refining his already formidable skills. With much of the season still ahead, Lamine has already matched his five goals from last year in La Liga and has six assists, just one short of his tally from last season. He’s also finally scored his first Champions League goal and contributed another assist.

The Kopa Trophy’s Roll of Honor

Lamine follows Jude Bellingham, who won in 2023, and joins his Barcelona teammates Pedri and Gavi on the list of Kopa Trophy winners. Pedri and Gavi claimed the award in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Kylian Mbappé was the inaugural winner in 2018, the year France Football introduced the award, followed by De Ligt in 2019. The award was not presented in 2020 due to the pandemic, as with the Ballon d’Or.