Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal leads a high-profile list of nominees for the 2024–25 La Liga U23 Player of the Season award, with teammate Pedri and Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler also receiving nods.
The recognition comes on the back of a thrilling league campaign that saw young stars shine across Spain’s top flight.
Born to a Moroccan mother and an Equatorial Guinean father, Yamal has swiftly emerged as one of La Liga’s brightest talents.
The 17-year-old winger was a consistent threat on the right flank throughout the season, dazzling fans with his dribbling, maturity, and game-changing performances.
His efforts were crucial to Barcelona’s domestic treble triumph, which included the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.
Pedri’s creative engine in midfield was equally vital to Barça’s dominance, but it is Yamal’s breakthrough season that has drawn the most attention.
His seamless integration into the first team, despite his age, has prompted comparisons with legends of the club.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler have also been shortlisted after impressing for the league runners-up.
Bellingham, in particular, was pivotal in Madrid’s title push and had a standout campaign.
Barcelona wrapped up their season with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, a game in which Robert Lewandowski scored a brace to mark his 100th goal for the club.
He ended the season with 27 goals, just behind Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who claimed the Golden Boot with 31 goals.
