The Rise of a Star: Lamine Yamal’s historic Ballon d’Or nomination

In a stunning turn of events, 17-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal has become the youngest player in history to be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Yamal’s journey to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. From humble beginnings in a small town Esplugues del Llobregat, Spain. Yamal rose through the ranks of youth football starting from CF La Torreta.

His big break came when he joined FC Barcelona’s famous academy, La Masia at just 7 years old where he raced through the age categories quicker than any other player of his generation before making a historic debut for the Spanish giant at just 16 years.

Yamal is now a regular starter for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. His impressive performances have earned him widespread acclaim, with many drawing comparisons to football greats like Messi.

The 17-year-old was instrumental for Spain during their journey to their golden summer where they won their 4th Euro Cup becoming the youngest player to ever win the Euros.

Nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or

Lamine Yamal
FC Barcelona
Spain#ballondor pic.twitter.com/wmHlUuZaLR

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 4, 2024

During the 2024 Euros, nobody was involved in more goals than Yamal – with one goal and four assists. Nobody has set up more goals in a single European Championship since records began in 1980.

Yamal also became the youngest player to play at the Euros, to assist a goal at the Euros, to score a goal at the Euros, and won the Young Player of the Tournament award.

At club level, Yamal played 37 matches in his first full season in the Spanish topflight with five goals and five assists. At 16 years and 38 days old, he became the youngest player of the 21st century to start a La Liga game.

Just a few days later, at 16 years and 45 days old, he earned the right to be called the youngest player this century to provide an assist in La Liga.

Yamal’s Ballon d’Or nomination is a testament to his hard work and natural talent. As he prepares to take on the best players in the world, fans can’t help but wonder what the future holds for this young superstar.

Yamal is heavily favoured to bring home the Kopa trophy, an award which is given to the brightest U-21 player.

Although Vinicius Jnr and Jude Bellingham are the favorites for this year’s coveted trophy one thing is certain – Lamine Yamal is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the years to come as the Ballon d’Or is concerned.

Story by: Rabbi Adu Agyei

The post The Rise of a Star: Lamine Yamal’s historic Ballon d’Or nomination first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story