Lamin Yamal became the youngest player in history to win the Copa trophy at the age of 17 years and 107 days. The Spanish youngster is the first footballer under the age of 18 to win the award. In the race to become the best, he has beaten rising stars like compatriot Pau Kubarsi, Turkey's Arda Guler and Argentina's Alejandro Garnacho.
Dutch legend Ruud Khulit presented the award to Yamal at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held at the Theater du Chatelet in Paris on October 28. It is the best young footballer award. Since 2018, this award has been given to those under the age of 21.
But when it comes to Lamin, Lionel Messi comes to the fore. This is the Spanish winger whom he considers his idol. Messi's impression is also found in his game. The winner of the Copa trophy was originally voted on by the Ballon d'Or winners.
The discussion may come up, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi voted for the 'Copa Trophy'. Spanish media and Italy's well-known football reporter Fabrizio Romano said that Yamali received the number one vote for Messi. Spanish defender Kuberci placed second. Compatriot Manchester United forward Garnacho has placed at number three.
Yamal is the third Barcelona player to win the Young Footballer of the Year award. Yamal scored seven goals and assists in 50 matches for Barça last season. He won the Copa trophy by scoring the maximum 113 points. Guler who is second in the list got 26 votes and Maino got 20 points.
Before him, Pedri in 2021 and Gavi in 2022 won the Copa trophy for Barça. Apart from this, Kylian Mbappe won in 2018, Mathias de Leete in 2019 and Jude Bellingham in 2023. In 2020, the Ballon d'Or ceremony was canceled due to the Corona pandemic.
