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

Published

11 months ago

October 28, 2024

Editor

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.

UCL: ‘If You’re The Best Show It’ – Ramos Slams Lamine Yamal

Published

1 hour ago

October 3, 2025

Editor

Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain has slammed Barcelona stars, Lamine Yamal and Pedri over comments before their Champions League clash on Tuesday.

Before the game, the Barça players were in a bullish mood with Yamal posting a somewhat teasing message on his Instagram Story.

In the post, the young Spain international was seen sitting on a railing and wearing the Spain jersey, with the caption, “Pressure?”

The best young footballer in the world went on to post, “I’m back and the mission is back too.”

His teammate, Pedri also echoed the confidence during the news conference ahead of the game.

He said “It was a tough game and we want to avenge that defeat,” he talked about PSG’s win over Barça in the Champions League final last season.

However, they were made to eat their words as PSG beat in front of their fans.

Ramos, who was one of the scorers of the goals told reporters, “We’re the European champions, I can’t say more than that. If you’re the best, you have to show it on the pitch, not talk.”

Ramos’ teammate Vitinha, added, “We don’t give a damn. We don’t care, we just want to play the match, we won, and we’re happy about that.”

EPL: Paul Merson Predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Other Fixtures

Published

1 hour ago

October 3, 2025

Editor

Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson has predicted the Premier League games taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Bournemouth will tackle Fulham at the Vitality Stadium on Friday night, while Manchester United will face Sunderland on Saturday.

Chelsea will take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, while Arsenal will take on West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.

Brentford will tackle Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday, while Everton will take on Crystal Palace.

Stating his predictions, Merson said via Sportskeeda:

Bournemouth 2-1 Fulham
Leeds United 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
Man United 2-0 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Aston Villa 2-0 Burnley
Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Wolves 1-2 Brighton
Brentford 1-2 Manchester City