The lead-up to the FC Barcelona-Leganés match featured Lamine Yamal as the main protagonist. The 17-year-old player presented the Montjuïc fans with the Golden Boy 2024 award, an accolade given by 'Tuttosport' to the best Under-21 player in the five major European leagues. Before the match against the 'pepinero' team, the player from Mataró spoke with the Italian newspaper about his current situation with Barça and the Spanish National Team, in an interview where the winger opened up about his medium and long-term goals.
After thanking 'Tuttosport' for the award, the young player acknowledged his ambition to continue winning trophies with his club and the National Team. "I am very aware that individual awards are the result of collective work, so I want to keep doing well at Barça and with Spain to accumulate more trophies", explained the Barça academy graduate.
In this regard, he valued the award given by the Italian newspaper, an accolade created by journalist Massimo Franchi that has been awarded since 2003. Rafael van der Vaart was the first to win it, a couple of years before Leo Messi (2005) did. "Winning the Golden Boy is a great starting point for a young footballer. All the boys in the world aspire to win it," explained the '19' Barça player.
Lamine Yamal opens up about his big goals for the future
On another note, Lamine did not hide his medium-term aspirations with Barça and La Roja. After lifting the Eurocup in Germany, the winger aims for the highest level internationally. "Before I turn 21, my goal is to win the World Cup with Spain, the Champions League, and two more Leagues with Barça", stated the Barça forward, who also made it clear his dream of winning the Ballon d'Or, an award that, for him, "crowns" the career of every footballer.
Yamal broke two records as the winner of the Golden Boy. On his part, he is the most voted player in history, with 488 votes out of a possible 500 (one more than Jude Bellingham in 2023). Additionally, he is by far the youngest player to receive the award, at just 17 years and 4 months. Cristiano Ronaldo (third in 2003, second in 2004) was unable to win the award given by 'Tuttosport'.