Lamine Yamal named La Liga Player of the Year ahead of World Cup

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has been named La Liga Player of the Year, the Spanish league authorities announced on Friday, June 5.

The 18-year-old star helped Barcelona retain their domestic crown, becoming the first player to win the league's 'Player of the Month' award three times in a single season. He finished the campaign as the club's top scorer with 16 goals and 11 assists in La Liga.

Barcelona's Hansi Flick was named Coach of the Year on Thursday.

In a statement, Barcelona said Yamal is "a major headache for opposition defences. Opposing defenders have to try desperately to stop this Barcelona attacking player."

"In addition to his contributions, the young Catalan footballer has scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists; no other player in La Liga has given as many passes leading to goals," the club added.

Yamal has suffered from groin problems several times this season, but he is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup starting next week in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He missed Barcelona's last six matches of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Yamal announced his arrival on the football world stage at just 16 and played a key role in Spain's record fourth European Championship (Euro) triumph in 2024.