Lamine Yamal Wins Flashscore’s Young Player of the Year Award 2025

The recipient of the Flashscore Young Player of the Year award for 2025 is none other than the outstanding Lamine Yamal from Barcelona.

While awarding him is almost routine now, it serves to underscore his remarkable talent, which transcends any age-based distinctions—his abilities are a current asset rather than a future promise.

Ousmane Dembele may have claimed the Ballon d’Or and the Flashscore Men’s Player of the Year award, but one cannot overlook Lamine’s impact when reflecting on this season. The recognition he receives often feels inadequate compared to the influence he has exerted.

He would have likely won a second Golden Boy award had the rules permitted it. Nevertheless, he made history by clinching the Kopa Trophy for a consecutive year—an unprecedented achievement that speaks volumes about the phenomenon we are witnessing week after week.

Beyond Mere Statistics

While numbers can help paint a picture of his prowess, they fail to encapsulate his influence on the game. With Barcelona, his ascendance has been remarkable: he recorded seven goals and nine assists in 50 matches during the 2023/24 season, escalating to 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 appearances last season.

This season, Lamine has already set new heights; in just his first 20 games, he has amassed nine goals and 11 assists.

Despite dealing with a nagging groin injury, which may continue to affect him, his brilliance remains undiminished. In fact, it seems to amplify the aura surrounding his play.

An Emotional Experience

Reducing Lamine Yamal to mere statistics would be an injustice to the very essence of football. His true value lies in the emotions he stirs and the excitement he brings to the fans.

From the precise shots targeting the top corner to dribbling that sends defenders scrambling, there is a palpable electricity in the air at Camp Nou as the crowd holds its breath, eager to witness his artistry—a feast not only for the eyes but for all the senses.

Lamine is not just another player; he embodies the essence of top-class football, making his presence a worthwhile spectacle, akin to a three-Michelin-star dining experience.

He also instills fear in opposing fans whenever he gets the ball, evoking a sense of dread that something extraordinary is about to unfold. And woe to anyone who challenges him.

A Successor to Messi

We witnessed his brilliance at last year’s Euros, where he, while still a minor, dazzled for Spain with one goal, five assists, and a magnetic presence punctuated by a perfect response after criticism from Adrien Rabiot—an unforgettable goal that defined the tournament.

His standout moments continue in Clasicos, where goals against Real Madrid not only add to his tally but feel symbolic, as if a legacy is being passed on directly from Lionel Messi, whose iconic number 10 jersey he now wears. While comparisons are fraught with difficulties, it’s hard to find a more fitting successor to Messi.

Even on the grandest of stages, such as the heart-stopping two-legged clash against Inter, Lamine showcased why he is a force to be reckoned with, despite being thwarted at the last moment by a brilliant save from Yann Sommer.

The Legend of Lamine

Lamine has ample time ahead of him to continue winning accolades. It is undeniable that future generations of Barcelona fans will recount his exploits in the same breath as the legends of the club—Laszlo Kubala, Johan Cruyff, Ronaldinho, and Messi.

Yet, upon recounting his story, the emphasis will not solely lie in the goals he has scored or the trophies he has lifted. Certain players transcend statistics; their tales are shared and relayed through the emotions they evoke and the moments they create on the field.

If all goes as expected, Lamine Yamal will not be long in chasing the legends of the sport—he will soon secure his place among those who have truly made history.