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Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal made history on Monday, becoming the youngest player to win the Kopa Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala in Paris. The prestigious award recognizes the best under-21 footballer in the world, and Yamal’s achievement follows a standout year for both club and country.
At just 17, Yamal also became the youngest player to break into the top 10 for the men’s Ballon d’Or, finishing in eighth place. His rapid rise mirrors the success of previous Barça winners Pedri (2021) and Gavi (2022), while he succeeds Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, last year’s recipient of the Kopa Trophy.
In his acceptance speech, Yamal thanked his family, teammates, and coaches, including Luis de la Fuente, Xavi Hernández, and Hansi Flick, saying: “I want to thank my mum, dad, and grandma, who have always supported me. It’s an honor to win this award.”
Yamal’s breakthrough year included a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, where his semifinal wonder goal against France was named Goal of the Tournament. He also earned the Young Player of the Tournament award and was included in the competition’s Best XI.
The forward’s rise has continued under new Barça coach Hansi Flick, forming a formidable front three with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Yamal has already tallied six goals and seven assists in 14 appearances this season, including a landmark goal against Real Madrid in a 4-0 victory at the Bernabéu, making him the youngest scorer in El Clásico history.
Reflecting on his achievement, Yamal expressed his ambitions: “They told me I could one day break Ronaldo’s record, and it would be fantastic to have a career like his. I hope to win the Ballon d’Or soon, but the most important thing is to enjoy yourself—when you enjoy yourself, everything comes off better.”
With a bright future ahead, Yamal’s historic Kopa Trophy win signals his growing influence in football, setting the stage for what could be a remarkable career.
Story By: Baffour/Pinkfmonlinegh.com