Lamine Yamal (foto: Getty Images)
Barcelona and Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal has been crowned the 2023 Golden Boy, earning 488 out of 500 points to claim the award for Europe’s best young player.
Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation from Barcelona and the Spanish national team, has won the prestigious Golden Boy award, given annually to Europe’s best young footballer under the age of 21. The accolade, awarded by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, recognizes Yamal’s meteoric rise and exceptional performances for both club and country.
Yamal’s dominance in the voting was overwhelming—he secured an incredible 488 out of a possible 500 points, as decided by a panel of 50 European sports journalists. This marks one of the most convincing victories in the award's history.
The Golden Boy award, established in 2003, has a storied history of honoring future football legends. Yamal succeeds last year’s winner, Jude Bellingham, and joins an illustrious list of previous winners that includes Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Pedri.
The teenage prodigy has had a remarkable year, becoming a key player for Barcelona’s first team and playing an important role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph earlier this year. Despite being just 17 years old, Yamal has already scored vital goals and demonstrated maturity far beyond his years.
The Golden Boy award continues to serve as a platform for young players destined for greatness, and Yamal’s victory further cements his place as one of the brightest talents in world football.