Lamine Yamal has once again made headlines—not just for his performances on the pitch, but for the level of recognition he’s now receiving internationally. Still only 17 years old, the Barcelona wonderkid continues to rack up honors and accolades as his meteoric rise shows no sign of slowing down. And now, just like a certain Real Madrid rival before him, he’s added a glittering new award to his collection.
Yamal’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. After breaking into Barcelona’s senior squad during the 2023-24 season, the teenager quickly became a mainstay in the starting XI. At just 16 years old, he impressed fans and pundits alike with his fearless dribbling, creative vision, and maturity well beyond his years.
He didn’t just shine at the club level. Yamal starred for Spain at Euro 2024, playing a pivotal role in his country’s triumphant campaign in Germany. His performances throughout the tournament earned him global attention and further established his status as one of the brightest young talents.
That stunning year saw him take home the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, awarded to the best player in the world under the age of 21, as well as the Golden Boy award, which honors the top young player in European soccer.
But the latest recognition brings him into even more elite company.
First Bellingham, now Yamal
This week, Yamal was named the winner of the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award, a prestigious honor previously claimed by Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid and England midfielder took home the prize in 2023, and Yamal now becomes only the second player ever to receive it.
“To follow Jude Bellingham in winning this award means a lot. It motivates me to keep working hard and improving every day,” the Spaniard said in a statement after receiving the award.
The Laureus World Sports Awards are among the most esteemed in global athletics, celebrating excellence across all sporting disciplines. Past recipients of the Breakthrough of the Year award include Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Carlos Alcaraz, and Lewis Hamilton—legends who went on to define their respective sports.