‘I hope to be able to follow in his footsteps’ – Lamine Yamal talks Lionel Messi after being crowned Laureus Young Sportsman of the Year

Barcelona's Spanish forward Lamine Yamal poses with the Young Sportsman Award during the 27th Laureus World Sports Awards gala in Madrid on April 20, 2026. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal added another trophy to his cabinet on Monday night as he was crowned Laureus Young Sportsman of the Year.

The teenager won the Laureus “Breakthrough of the Year” award last year and has now been handed another gong at the glitzy ceremony.

Speaking after picking up his latest trophy, Yamal said he hoped he can follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps at Barcelona.

“I am very happy to be the first to receive this award for the best young athlete. It’s a source of pride,” he said.

“I wanted to thank the Academy, all the legends who have voted for me, my two brothers, Jorge, who has always accompanied me and my team, my mother, my father, my grandmother, all my colleagues and the staff.

“Receiving this prestigious award, the Laureus, is very special for me,” he added. “Messi for me is the best footballer in history, but if he is not also the best athlete in history, he will be there. Everyone respects him for everything he has done, I hope I can follow in his footsteps.”

Yamal was one of several winners on the night.

F1 driver Lando Norris won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award winner, PSG won the Team of the Year, golfer Rory McIlroy took home the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award and Carlos Alcaraz is the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.