Fakayejo Paul
FC Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been officially named the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year for 2026.
The prestigious award was presented at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony, held on Monday evening at the historic Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid.
This recognition marks a historic milestone for the 18-year-old, who has solidified his status as one of the most influential talents in world football.
A Historic Achievement
Winning this award cements Yamal’s legacy as one of the most decorated young athletes in history. Having previously claimed the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award in 2025, he is now the youngest athlete to ever win two career Laureus honors.
Why He Won
The jury’s decision reflects Yamal’s extraordinary impact over the 2025–26 season. His performances have been pivotal to FC Barcelona’s domestic dominance, with the winger delivering:
- Key Contributions: A remarkable output of goals and assists across all competitions, acting as a decisive leader in the club’s sporting project.
- Consistency at the Elite Level: Moving beyond “early promise,” Yamal has provided consistent, mature performances against the world’s best defenses.
- Milestone Moments: Notably becoming the youngest player in history to reach ten goal contributions in the UEFA Champions League.
The 2026 Laureus Gala
The ceremony in Madrid brought together the global sporting elite to celebrate the past year of excellence. The 2026 gala saw several top athletes take home major honors, including:
- Sportsman of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz
- Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka
- Breakthrough of the Year: Lando Norris
- Team of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
For Yamal, this trophy is seen by critics and fans alike as just the beginning of what is shaping up to be an era-defining career.