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

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2024

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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: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

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2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

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Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

22 hours ago

May 5, 2026

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Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

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Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.