Lamine Yamal Honoured With Laureus Breakthrough Award After Phenomenal Year With Barcelona and Spain

In a glittering ceremony held in Madrid on Monday, Lamine Yamal, the prodigious forward from Barcelona and Spain, was crowned the Breakthrough of the Year at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards.

At only 17, Yamal’s meteoric rise has captivated the footballing world, cementing his place as one of the brightest talents of his generation.

Teenage Marvel Claims Global Spotlight

Barely out of his teenage years, Lamine Yamal has already become an indispensable asset for both club and country. His contribution to Barcelona’s high-flying 2024–25 campaign has been nothing short of stellar. With six LaLiga goals and 12 assists, along with three strikes in the UEFA Champions League, the forward has emerged as a decisive presence in front of goal.

This calendar year has seen him grow from a promising academy prospect into a household name. His stunning strike in the Spanish Supercopa final against arch-rivals Real Madrid helped secure silverware early in the season. Under new head coach Hansi Flick, Yamal has seamlessly adapted, evolving into an ever-present name on the team sheet.

Historic Feats on the International Stage

Yamal’s contributions weren’t confined to club football. His impact on the European Championship stage with Spain rewrote the record books. At just 16, he became the youngest player to feature in the tournament. As fate would have it, Spain lifted the trophy just a day after he turned 17. During the competition, he started five games, netted once, and provided an assist — remarkable numbers for a debutant at such a prestigious level.

Reflecting on his journey, the Laureus committee noted his unparalleled influence on both domestic and international competitions, which paved the way for him to edge past equally impressive contenders such as Julien Alfred (athletics), Summer McIntosh (swimming), Letsile Tebogo (athletics), Victor Wembanyama (basketball), and Bayer Leverkusen (football club).

“Amazing Year” Recognised With Accolades

Yamal’s statistical record throughout 2024 speaks volumes. Featuring in 46 games, he scored 14 goals and delivered a staggering 218 assists — a feat that underlines his creative brilliance and unselfish play. These numbers, coupled with his performances on Europe’s biggest stages, led to him being awarded the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, both of which honour the best young footballer globally.

“Amazing year,” indeed — those two words now encapsulate the essence of Yamal’s journey so far. From debuting under Xavi Hernández to becoming a cornerstone under Flick, his progression has been rapid, relentless, and rousing.

Resilient Rivals and a Rising Star

While the accolade was individual, the shortlist featured an ensemble of exceptional athletes. Victor Wembanyama’s exploits on the basketball court, Summer McIntosh’s record-breaking swims, and Letsile Tebogo’s sprinting prowess all made the jury’s decision a difficult one. Yet, it was Yamal’s comprehensive impact across multiple competitions that ultimately set him apart.

Real Madrid’s Triumphs Also Recognised

Elsewhere in the ceremony, it was a night to remember for Spanish football as Real Madrid bagged the Laureus World Team of the Year award. The recognition comes after a season that saw the capital club lift their record 36th LaLiga title and their 15th UEFA Champions League crown. Additionally, they claimed the UEFA Super Cup and the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup, further strengthening their legacy as Europe’s most decorated football institution.

With the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinal still on the horizon, Yamal’s year may yet become even more historic. Barcelona remains in contention for a dream quadruple, and the young winger stands poised to continue playing a pivotal role.

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