OFFICIAL: Yamal Wins Big at the 'World Sports Oscars'

At the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 ceremony held in Madrid, Spain on April 20, Lamine Yamal excellently won the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year award (World's Outstanding Young Player).

At just 18 years old, the winger for FC Barcelona and the Spanish National Team has become the youngest name in history to receive two prestigious Laureus awards. In 2025, Yamal won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award. Just one year later, he was again honored in the category for talents under 21, solidifying his status as part of the "golden generation" of modern football.

The Magical Journey of "Starboy" Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal, born in 2007, grew up in Barcelona's legendary La Masia academy. He debuted for Barcelona's first team at age 15 and quickly became a phenomenon. His explosive playing style, featuring incredible speed, magical dribbling skills, sharp passing ability, and powerful long-range shots, helped Yamal conquer every stage.

The biggest highlight in Yamal's young career was Euro 2024. Despite being just 17 years old (only one day after his birthday), he became the youngest player to participate, the youngest to score, and the youngest to play in a Euro final. Yamal played a major role in helping the Spanish National Team win the European Championship, and also received the tournament's Young Player of the Tournament award. At Barcelona, he was also a key figure in the journey to conquer La Liga titles and European cups.

2025 was a memorable period for Lamine Yamal as he contributed significantly to Barcelona winning the domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup. In the Ballon d'Or race, Lamine Yamal finished in second place, behind the winner Ousmane Dembélé. Additionally, he was honored as the Best Forward at the Globe Soccer Awards 2025.

Previously in April last year, Yamal received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year 2025 award. One year later, Barcelona's young talent was again announced at this prestigious awards ceremony with the new title of World's Outstanding Young Sportsperson.

The Laureus World Sports Awards are likened to the "Oscars of World Sports," gathering the biggest names on the planet. Yamal consecutively winning two Laureus awards in his teenage years leads many to recall the journeys of Lionel Messi or other legends from the past.