Lamine Yamal crowned best young player in the world
Lamine Yamal was crowned the best player under 21 for the third consecutive time.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
Spanish Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was awarded the 2026 “Copa” prize for best player under 21, the first honor of the Golden Ball ceremony held Monday evening in London, following a season marked by his brilliance with his club and national team. The 19-year-old Yamal claimed the award for the third consecutive year, outpacing a field of Europe’s most promising young talents, securing a new accolade that reflects his remarkable development and status among the world’s top young players.
The Barcelona star played a key role in Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup, contributing to the national team’s journey to the title, which they secured with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final. Yamal also helped Barcelona win the La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles during the 2025-2026 season, delivering outstanding performances and combining club success with international brilliance in the Spanish national team jersey.
This recognition gives Yamal a strong boost in his career, blending individual acclaim with international achievement, and reaffirms his ability to compete at the highest levels despite his youth, further cementing his status as one of the standout talents of his generation.
