At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal continues to dominate not only the pitch but also the global sports award circuit. The Barcelona prodigy recently secured his second Laureus Award, using his historic moment in the spotlight to crown his idol, Lionel Messi, as one of the greatest athletes in human history.
Crowned 2026 Laureus Young Sportsperson of the Year
During the prestigious 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, a ceremony designed to honor the absolute pinnacle of individual and team achievements across all sports, Yamal was officially named the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year. The recognition from the Laureus Academy cements his status as a generational talent.
“I am very happy to be the first to receive this award for best young athlete. It is a source of pride,” Yamal expressed during his acceptance speech. After thanking his family, his inner circle, and the voting legends, he quickly shifted the focus to the ultimate Barcelona icon.
“More Than an Idol”: The Ultimate Praise for Messi
Yamal didn’t hold back when discussing Messi, the only soccer player to have ever won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award (claiming it in 2020 alongside Lewis Hamilton, and again in 2023 following his World Cup victory with Argentina).
According to the Spanish teenager, Messi’s legacy transcends the sport of soccer entirely.
“When you realize an athlete isn’t just a legend of their sport but of all sports—Messi, who for me is the best player in history, and if he isn’t the greatest athlete ever, he’s definitely in that conversation with all of them,” Yamal stated. “He’s more than an idol. I think everyone respects him for everything he’s done. He’s been part of the childhood of every kid when we played in the park or at school, and I hope I’ll be able to follow in his footsteps.”
Yamal’s Growing Laureus Collection
This latest trophy adds to a rapidly expanding, historic cabinet for the young winger. He earned this year’s nod after a sensational 2025 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in Barcelona sweeping domestic titles, including La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey, while making a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.
Incredibly, this is already his second Laureus statuette. Just last year, following his heroics in leading Spain to glory at Euro 2024, he won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year. By doing so, he followed in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham (2024) as one of the few soccer players to ever claim that specific honor.
Leading a New Generation
Closing out his speech, Yamal showcased a maturity well beyond his 18 years, recognizing the broader impact of his platform.
“I am grateful that my contributions to our team in 2025 are being recognized with this Laureus,” he concluded. “I believe that sport has the power to change the world. This statuette represents a new generation of athletes who can bring about that change. I am proud to be the first to receive this Laureus.”
