HISTORICAL: Lamine Yamal, 5th in the The Best ranking and part of FIFA's ideal XI

Lamine Yamal made history this Tuesday by becoming the youngest footballer to be part of the Top-5 in the Best Male Player category of the FIFA The Best awards. The player from Mataró scored 30 points, 18 less than Vinicius Jr. (the winner). Rodrigo Hernández, winner of the Ballon d'Or, finished second with 43 points, followed by Jude Bellingham (37) and Dani Carvajal (31). Leo Messi actually voted for him in first place, followed by Kylian Mbappé and 'Vini'.

The captains, coaches, and journalists from over 200 countries were responsible for selecting the winners of a gala that, in its 2024 edition, was held virtually, with the Real Madrid delegation winning the majority of awards in the men's category, while FC Barcelona dominated the women's section. Aitana Bonmatí took home the most important award, repeating The Best as Best Player of the Year.

Lamine Yamal also made it into FIFA's Team of the Year 

For Lamine, the most important recognition of the day was being part of FIFA's Team of the Year. The Barça winger formed the attacking trio alongside 'Vini' (Real Madrid/Brazil) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway).

In goal, the chosen one was Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina), while the defense consisted of Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/Germany), Rúben Dias (Manchester City/Portugal) and William Saliba (Arsenal/France).

In midfield, the chosen players were Toni Kroos (retired), Rodri (Manchester City/Spain) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England). Martínez was also awarded as Best Goalkeeper and the Best Coach award went to Carlo Ancelotti. At the end of the gala held in Doha, Yamal thanked FIFA for the distinction.

Lamine, excited to start winning titles with Barça

The player from Rocafonda, who had previously won the Kopa Trophy (awarded by 'France Football' to the best U-21 player) and the Golden Boy (awarded by 'Tuttosport' to the best U-21 player in Europe), expressed satisfaction for receiving another individual award that crowns a great year in which he also won the Eurocup with Spain. In this regard, he made clear his desire to start lifting titles with the blue and garnet jersey.

"I want to thank my coaches and my teammates who have helped me to be nominated for this award and throughout the season. I don't want to forget Xavi, who was my first coach and helped me in everything. Also Hansi and Luis, who helped me win my first Eurocup. I am very happy to receive these individual awards, hopefully now the collective awards will come. It is an honor to be nominated at 17 years old", stated the '19' culé via telematics during the The Best 2024 gala.