Teenage football prodigy Lamine Yamal has added another glittering accolade to his burgeoning career, clinching the prestigious Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award at a star-studded ceremony in Madrid last night. The 17-year-old Barcelona and Spain winger follows in the footsteps of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the same award in 2024, cementing his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Yamal’s meteoric rise over the past two years has captivated the football world. At just 17, he has become a cornerstone for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, showcasing a blend of electrifying pace, pinpoint creativity, and remarkable maturity. His standout performances during Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in securing the title, were instrumental in earning him this honor. Yamal’s contributions included dazzling displays on the wing and critical assists, culminating in a fairytale moment when he lifted the trophy on his 17th birthday.
The Laureus Award, which celebrates athletes who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective sports, saw Yamal edge out a formidable field of nominees, including track star Julien Alfred, swimming prodigy Summer McIntosh, sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo, and basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama. The award underscores not only Yamal’s on-field brilliance but also his growing social impact, as noted by Mundo Deportivo, which highlighted his influence both in sport and beyond.
Unable to attend the ceremony in person due to his commitments with Barcelona, Yamal was represented by former Blaugrana midfielder Thiago Alcântara, who accepted the award on his behalf. In a pre-recorded video message, Yamal expressed his gratitude: “I’m incredibly honored to receive this award. I want to thank my teammates at Barcelona and Spain, my family, and everyone who has supported me. This is just the beginning.”
Yamal’s journey mirrors that of Bellingham, who claimed the Breakthrough Award last year after a sensational debut season with Real Madrid. Both players, products of elite youth academies, have drawn comparisons for their ability to perform under pressure at a young age. Yamal’s win also places him in the company of other footballing icons who have claimed the award, including Rafael Nadal and Lewis Hamilton, further highlighting its prestige.
At Barcelona, Yamal has been a linchpin in Hansi Flick’s revitalized squad, which remains unbeaten in 2025 across La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. His tally of 6 goals and 12 assists in La Liga, alongside 3 goals in the Champions League, has fueled Barcelona’s pursuit of a historic quadruple. His record-breaking goal in El Clásico, making him the youngest scorer in the fixture’s history, remains a defining moment of his season.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández praised Yamal’s maturity, saying, “He plays with the composure of a 30-year-old. Lamine is a generational talent, and this award is a testament to his hard work.”
The ceremony also saw success for Spanish football, with Real Madrid named World Team of the Year for their dominant 2023-24 campaign, which included La Liga and Champions League triumphs. The convergence of Yamal’s individual brilliance and Real Madrid’s collective dominance underscores the global prominence of Spanish football.
However, Yamal’s heavy workload has raised concerns about potential burnout. Reports indicate he is the sixth-most utilized player worldwide in 2025, a remarkable but worrying statistic for a player yet to turn 18. Barcelona’s medical staff and Flick are reportedly managing his minutes carefully to ensure his long-term health.