Overview
- Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal was named Laureus World Young Sportsperson in Madrid on Tuesday, using his acceptance to say he hopes to follow Lionel Messi’s path.
- He called Messi the best player in history and said the Argentine’s stature reaches beyond football into wider sport and culture.
- He spoke about the pressure of being a role model at 18 and said this generation connects with fans through their lives off the field as well as their play.
- The honor follows his starring roles in Barcelona’s 2024–25 trophy run and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, with club duties resuming this week and World Cup responsibilities on the horizon.
- Reports noted he received the trophy from Brazil great Cafu, while Goal.com highlighted that Messi is the only footballer to have won the main Laureus Sportsman award.