Lamine Yamal: “I want to win the World Cup with Spain and the Champions League with Barcelona” | OneFootball

Tuttosport (h/t SPORT), the organiser of the Golden Boy award, has revealed some highlights from their interview with FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, following his confirmation as the winner of the prestigious honour for 2024.

The La Masia gem was presented with the Golden Boy award in front of the fans at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys at Montjuic last night before the La Liga game against CD Leganes.

The young Barcelona forward, who at just 17 years old has already claimed the most coveted award for footballers under the age of 21, spoke candidly about his achievements and aspirations.

Yamal stated that the Golden Boy award is “my springboard” and added, “It is a wonderful prize, but I hope it will only be a starting point,” in what he hopes will be a long career filled with success and titles.

Reflecting on his past year, Lamine Yamal, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory in the 2024 UEFA European Championship under coach Luis de la Fuente, has set ambitious goals for the future.

“I want to win the World Cup with Spain, the Champions League, other championships (La Liga) with Barcelona, and the Ballon d’Or,” he revealed.

The Golden Boy of 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Yamal had not planned to travel to Turin for the Golden Boy gala, which took place today afternoon at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile due to logistical issues.

Bittersweet celebration

While the Barcelona forward received his Golden Boy award on Sunday, the night ended sourly for him as he suffered an ankle injury against Leganes.

In fact, earlier today, Barcelona confirmed that the injury he sustained during the match was worse than initially feared. Yamal has been diagnosed with a grade 1 sprain of the anterior tibiofibular ligament in his right ankle.

As a result, Yamal has been ruled out of Barcelona’s final fixture of 2024 against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, as well as the first match of 2025, which will be in the Copa del Rey against UD Barbastro.

With any luck, manager Hansi Flick and the Blaugrana are hopeful that Yamal will be fit enough to feature in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final vs Athletic Club in Saudi Arabia.