The suits, evening gowns, and sparkles were all out in Italy. Just over two weeks after the announcement of the winner of the prestigious Golden Boy trophy, the 2024 ceremony took place on Monday evening in Turin at the International Automobile Museum. 

Unfortunately, the big winner of this edition, Lamine Yamal, could not attend due to an ankle injury. The young Spanish prodigy was unable to celebrate his victory as he should have, nor lift his trophy in front of his peers, who had gathered in large numbers for this eagerly awaited gala in Italy.

Nevertheless, the successor to Jude Bellingham in the list of winners of this prestigious award, which honors the best player under 21 in Europe, made an appearance via video link from Barcelona. After delivering a speech thanking his loved ones, his club, and the voters, Lamine Yamal was asked by Marca about his future at FC Barcelona. 

Very attached to the club, the 2024 European champion admitted to being focused on Barça and his future goals. “No, the truth is that I’m not thinking about that. I only think about Barça, about improving and winning titles here. My dream is to win titles with Barça and for my family to be well,” he confessed.

"Of course, he will renew with Barça"

Determined to win titles with his beloved club, Lamine Yamal expressed his readiness to achieve his ambitious goals this season. “Can Barça win everything? That’s our intention. We’re going to give everything to make it happen. We have what it takes to do it... We’ve managed to consolidate as a group, we know each other better. I think that’s very important,” continued the 17-year-old wonderkid, adding that winning the Champions League is his main goal.

Given the forward's dedication and commitment to his team, Barça fans were later reassured when Jorge Mendes, his agent, confirmed that Yamal would renew his contract, which is currently set to expire in June 2026. "Now, he will recover, and this is something that will be resolved quickly. Of course, he will renew with Barça. Lamine is from Barça. He will renew," stated the agent of the Spanish international, who is focused on his recovery so he can return to the pitch as soon as possible and help his teammates. These clear statements should calm the potential suitors for Lamine Yamal, at least for now.