Lamine Yamal Aims to Follow Lionel Messi's Footsteps After Laureus Award
Barcelona Sensation Lamine Yamal Honored with Prestigious Award
Barcelona forward **Lamine Yamal** has been crowned the **Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year** for 2026. The 18-year-old sensation received this prestigious award at a ceremony held to honor individual and team excellence across all sports disciplines.
Yamal's Inspiration: Lionel Messi
**Lamine Yamal** admitted that he aims to "follow in the footsteps" of **Lionel Messi**, the Argentine icon who remains the only footballer to have won the **Laureus World Sportsman of the Year** award. Yamal paid tribute to Messi during the ceremony, acknowledging his influence on the sport.
- **Lamine Yamal** is 18 years old.
- He plays for **Barcelona** and Spain's national team.
- This is the second consecutive year Yamal has been honored by Laureus, following his "Breakthrough of the Year" triumph in 2025.
"I aim to follow in the footsteps of **Lionel Messi".
Recognition for Exceptional Talent
The **2026 Laureus World Sports Awards** recognized **Lamine Yamal** for his extraordinary contributions to **Barcelona** and Spain's recent success. This award solidifies his status as one of the most influential figures in modern sports.
