Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal wins 2024 European Golden Boy award after European Championship glory

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At 17-years-old, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has the world at his feet. Already a European Championship winner with Spain, the forward has now added another trophy to his collection, after being named the European Golden Boy award winner for 2024. Wayne Rooney, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe have previously received the accolade. Yamal becomes the youngest winner since its inception.

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Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has won the 2024 European Golden Boy award after a memorable year for club and country.

The prestigious trophy is given to the best men's under-21 player, based on their performances over a 12-month period, with journalists voting using a points system to decide the winner.

Yamal beat off competition from Manchester United duo Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo and Paris Saint-Germain pair Joao Neves and Warren Zaire-Emery to win the award.

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It continues his remarkable rise to stardom, having only made his Barca debut in April 2023.

But the 2023/24 campaign was a breakthrough year for the Spaniard, as he cemented his place in the first team.

Xavi's side may not have lifted a trophy, but Yamal certainly made his mark, as he amassed 50 appearances for his club.

He was also rewarded for his performances by making his Spain debut, and played a huge hand in helping Luis de la Fuente's side to the final.

They subsequently lifted the trophy by beating England 2-1, with Yamal grabbing an assist for good measure.

He was named the young player of the tournament after scoring once and providing four assists in Germany.

In October, the forward won the Kopa Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony.

And he has now added another piece of silverware to his growing trophy cabinet, becoming the youngest Golden Boy award winner in the process.

He follows in the footsteps of previous Golden Boy winners Wayne Rooney, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

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