Mon Oct 28 21:17:02 UTC 2024: ## Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Wins 2024 Kopa Trophy, Real Madrid Named Best Club
**Paris:** The 2024 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris saw a new generation of football stars shine, with young talents like Lamine Yamal and Aitana Bonmati receiving prestigious awards.
Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, **Lamine Yamal**, became the youngest ever recipient of the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21. Yamal, who has already made his mark in La Liga, beat out Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo for the honor.
**Aitana Bonmati** continued her dominance, winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the second consecutive year. Her contributions to Barcelona’s triumphs in both the Spanish league and Women’s Champions League made her a clear choice.
Other notable winners included **Emiliano Martínez** who claimed the Lev Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, continuing his reign from last year. The Argentine star’s performances for Argentina, securing their World Cup title and Aston Villa’s impressive season, cemented his spot at the top.
**Harry Kane** and **Kylian Mbappé**, both scoring 52 goals last season, shared the Gerd Muller Trophy for the best striker. Meanwhile, **Carlo Ancelotti** was awarded the Johan Cruyff Trophy for the best men’s coach, while **Emma Hayes** received the same honor in the women’s category for her achievements with Chelsea and the USWNT.
**Jennifer Hermoso** took home the Socrates Award for her social activism, highlighting her strong stance against sexual abuse in football, particularly after the controversial incident involving the former Spanish Football Association president, Luis Rubiales.
**Real Madrid** were crowned the best men’s club, while **Barcelona** secured the title for the women’s category, proving their dominance in both leagues.
The ceremony was marked by a notable absence from Real Madrid players, who boycotted the event after **Vinicius Jr.** was reportedly denied the Ballon d’Or.
The awards highlight the rising stars of the game and showcase the talent and dedication that fuel the beautiful game.
First Piper 