Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has simply received the celebrated Golden Boy award, recognising him as the most effective Beneath-21 participant in Europe.
That is one more accolade for the La Masia graduate, who has grow to be a worldwide star at an astonishing tempo. His rise is undoubtedly an distinctive success story.
The 17-year-old lately sat down for an interview with MARCA the place he mentioned his lately received Golden Boy and shared a glimpse into his life.
When requested concerning the Golden Boy award, Yamal responded, “Thanks very a lot, it’s a nice honour to obtain it.”
Discussing his outstanding 12 months, which has included the Euro 2024, the Golden Boy, and the Kopa Trophy, Yamal expressed:
“Sure, completely. Quite a bit has occurred to me suddenly whereas I’m nonetheless younger. However I at all times attempt to take it straightforward and preserve my ft on the bottom. My profession has solely simply begun.”
When requested how he manages to remain grounded and who retains him in verify, Yamal was fast to credit score his household and buddies.
“Definitely, my household and buddies. They’ve at all times supported me and remind me of what actually issues,” he remarked.
Reflecting on a remark made by Rodri on the Ballon d’Or gala, the place he predicted that Yamal would win at the least one Ballon d’Or, Yamal admitted:
“It was really an amazing honour. For a participant and chief like Rodri to say that may be very flattering and motivates me to work and enhance.”
Lamine Yamal – The Golden Boy for 2024. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
Nevertheless, Yamal insists that the Ballon d’Or just isn’t an obsession for him, as he stated: “It’s not one thing I’m obsessive about. First, I’ve different goals to fulfil, akin to successful the Champions League or successful a World Cup.
“If I ever win the Ballon d’Or, it will likely be as a result of I’ve achieved these collective objectives first. However in fact, it could be good.”
Yamal’s fast rise has led to comparisons with Lionel Messi, together with his statistics at simply 17 years previous already surpassing the Barcelona legend’s at that age. He responded modestly:
“It’s an honour, however I attempt to write my very own story. Messi is the most effective participant in historical past, and I’m nonetheless taking my first steps. These comparisons typically don’t assist.”
When requested about his footballing inspirations, the teen talked about Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldinho, saying:
“Primarily due to their enjoyable fashion, their way of life the sport… at all times attempting one thing new.”
{The teenager} additionally gave credit score to the skilled gamers round him, citing Rodri, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Carvajal, Frankie de Jong, and Raphinha as these whose recommendation he values.
Yamal agreed that the Euro 2024 marked a turning level in his profession, stating: “Definitely. It was the match that allowed me to blow up and achieve confidence.
“Nevertheless, I nonetheless have many elements of my sport to enhance, and I’m already fascinated by the following challenges.”
When requested if his beautiful purpose in opposition to France was the most effective of his profession up to now, the Barcelona sensation admitted:
“It could possibly be as a result of it was within the semifinals of a European Championship. Though, after I was youthful, I scored many lovely objectives too.”
Concerning hypothesis about future switch presents, together with from PSG and Manchester Metropolis, Yamal insisted that he solely thinks about Barça.
“No, I actually don’t take into consideration that. I solely take into consideration Barcelona, about enhancing, and successful titles right here,” he acknowledged clearly.
Lamine Yamal additionally received the Kopa Trophy this 12 months. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
He was additionally requested concerning the affect of coach Hansi Flick on Barcelona this season, to which Yamal responded: “I believe he has given us depth, which has helped us to realize confidence.”
When requested whether or not the Barcelona squad believes they will win every part this season, he was assured, saying: “That’s our intention. We’ll give every part to attain it. Now we have what it takes.”
Yamal was additionally requested about what he enjoys most about this Barcelona crew this season. He famous the significance of the crew’s unity, saying:
“Now we have consolidated ourselves as a gaggle, we all know one another higher. I believe that’s one thing crucial.”
By way of rivalries, Lamine shared that taking part in on the Santiago Bernabeu is a particular expertise.
“I get pleasure from it as a result of it’s a problem, and I like challenges. Enjoying in opposition to Actual Madrid is at all times particular,” he admitted.
Looking forward to 2025, the Spanish worldwide expressed his objectives for the 12 months, as he stated: “To win titles with Barcelona and for my household to be effectively.”
When requested if there was a selected title he was particularly excited to win, he answered: “The Champions League, it’s a dream I wish to fulfil.”
By way of his hardest opponents, Yamal talked about: “In coaching, Ronald Araujo. A rival? Ferland Mendy.”
On his bodily growth this 12 months, Yamal revealed: “I’ve gained fairly a little bit of muscle, certainly round 10 kilos. However extra necessary than that’s that I really feel actually good on the sphere.”
Trying again on his profession up to now, the La Masia gem named his high three gamers he wish to have performed with: “There are various. But when I had to decide on a high three, it could be Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Messi.”
As for this 12 months’s Ballon d’Or, Yamal concluded, “This 12 months, I’d have voted for Rodri.”