Ballon d’Or 2024: Lamine Yamal Wins Kopa Trophy At Age 17

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2024

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has clinched the prestigious 2024 Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, solidifying his status as the world’s best Under-21 player.

The 16-year-old sensation was the frontrunner for the award, having made a significant impact for both club and country since his breakthrough season.

Lamine Yamal outperformed strong contenders, including Arda Güler, Kobbie Mainoo, Savinho, and his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi, to claim the top honor.

His victory also marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first player under the age of 18 to win the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best young talent in world football.

“It’s a pride to receive this trophy. I dedicate this prize to my mother, my grandmother, to the team, the coaches. It’s for those who supported me,” he said. “Visça el Barça y La capital 304.”

The 17-year-old helped Spain win Euro 2024 in the summer and currently has Barcelona top of the Liga table after a superb start to the season.

Lamine Yamal follows in the footsteps of team-mates Gavi and Pedri by winning the award, with Barcelona players have lifted the Kopa Trophy three times in the last four years.

EPL: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.

However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.

Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.