Lamine Yamal follows in Jude Bellingham's footsteps! Barcelona and Spain youngster wins Breakthrough of the Year prize previously held by Real Madrid star as well as F1 legend Lewis Hamilton and tennis ace Rafael Nadal

Yamal had a dream run in the 2024 calendar as he displayed dazzling form for club and country. After establishing himself as a regular in Barcelona's starting XI in the 2023-24 season at the age of just 16, he went on to star in Spain's Euro 2024-winning campaign in Germany. The teenager then bagged the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris and also won the Golden Boy award.

The 17-year-old has now been presented with the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year prize for his brilliant form throughout 2024. He becomes only the second footballer after Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham to win the prestigious award. The English midfielder had won the prize last year.

Some other sports personalities who have won the Breakthrough of the Year award in the past are tennis stars Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Carlos Alcaraz as well as F1 icon Lewis Hamilton.

The Barcelona star will be back in action for Hansi Flick's side on Tuesday night as they take on Mallorca in an important La Liga encounter.