Rabat – Lamine Yamal was named the world’s best young athlete at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony on Monday, cementing his status as the youngest multi-time winner in the event’s history.
The ceremony took place at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid, bringing together the world’s biggest stars to celebrate the past year of sporting excellence.
Co-hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu, the gala featured Lamine Yamal making history as the night’s standout winner at just the age of 18.
Founded in 2000, the Laureus World Sports Awards are one of the most prestigious honors in the sporting world. Often called the “Oscars of Sport,” the prize recognizes the best athletes and teams for their incredible achievements each year.
This latest award celebrates Yamal’s remarkable impact over the past year as a decisive leader in FC Barcelona’s sporting project.
The right winger has been unstoppable for the club this season, racking up an impressive 23 goals and 17 assists across all major competitions.
He played a vital role in securing a domestic treble for the Catalan club, helping the team capture the Spanish La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
A standout moment came in January 2025, when he delivered a masterclass in the 5-2 victory against Real Madrid to claim his first career Super Cup trophy.
The young talent also set a new benchmark by becoming the youngest player ever to reach ten goal contributions in the Champions League. He achieved this milestone at just 18, beating the record previously held by Erling Haaland, who reached the same mark at 19.
This award shows that Lamine Yamal is now much more than just a rising star for his club and country. He has become a true world superstar, and at only 18, this trophy is likely just the beginning of a historic career.
