Yamal hails Messi as greatest player in history

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**Lamime Yamal Named Laureus Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, Honors Lionel Messi**

MADRID — Barcelona’s Spanish winger, Lamine Yamal, has been named the Laureus World Breakthrough Athlete of the Year for 2026, recognizing his rapid ascent as one of football’s most promising talents at just 18 years old.

The prodigious winger accepted the prestigious award, acknowledging his idol Lionel Messi and expressing his aspiration to follow in the footsteps of the football legend. Messi remains the only footballer to have won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

Yamal has cemented his status as an influential young figure in modern sports through consistent, standout performances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. This latest accolade follows his recognition in 2025 with the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award, marking his second consecutive year receiving honors from the renowned sports awards.

During his acceptance speech, Yamal conveyed his pride in receiving the breakthrough athlete award for the first time. He views comparisons to Messi as a source of inspiration, describing the Argentine as the greatest player in history and an icon not only in football but across all sports.

Yamal revealed that he grew up idolizing Messi, drawing significant inspiration from his playing style, and harbors ambitions of emulating his success.

His contributions were instrumental in Barcelona securing a domestic treble in the 2024-25 season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at the Euro 2024 championship.

Concluding his remarks, Yamal emphasized that sport extends beyond mere achievement, possessing the power to effect positive change globally. He posited that the award symbolizes a new generation of athletes capable of making a meaningful societal impact.

Currently, Yamal is a key player for Barcelona in their La Liga title challenge and is considered a significant prospect for the Spanish national team in upcoming tournaments, including the World Cup.