Football sensation Lamine Yamal has concluded an extraordinary year by winning the prestigious Best Emerging Player award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
The 17-year-old winger, who plays for FC Barcelona, has had a standout 2024, showcasing his talent in both domestic and international competitions.
Yamal triumphed over fellow rising stars like Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Garnacho, and Arda Güler to claim the award. At the event, he was joined by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, his agent Jorge Mendes, and other club executives.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Yamal thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and the Spanish national team, with whom he won the Eurocup this year.
“I want to thank Globe Soccer for the award, my family, my mother, my brother for being here with me, and my father, who couldn’t be here but is in Barcelona—I love you very much,” Yamal shared.
The Globe Soccer Award adds to a remarkable list of honors Yamal has collected in 2024, including the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award.
His performances this year have propelled him into elite company. According to Transfermarkt’s latest market value update, Yamal’s value has skyrocketed to $187.2 million, surpassing the market value of Kylian Mbappé ($166.4 million). This makes him not only the most valuable player in Barcelona’s squad but also the second most valuable player in LaLiga, behind only Vinícius Jr., whose market value is $208 million.
Currently recovering from an injury sustained in a La Liga match earlier this month, Yamal remains optimistic about his comeback.
“I am in a recovery process, and I am sure I will return even stronger and more determined,” Yamal said in a video shared by FC Barcelona on social media.
