Lamine Yamal is 'a victim of his age' as agent Jorge Mendes says Barcelona star was world's best player in 2024

The 17-year-old has been lighting up the football field as he led Spain to the 2024 Euro title and has been spearheading Hansi Flick's attacking lineup alongside Raphinha. His agent Mendes claimed during the Globe Soccer Awards that Yamal has been the best player this year but didn't get voted for these awards because of his young age.

Speaking to Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Mendes said: "Lamine Yamal has been the best, but he has also been a victim of his youth because many people who vote have thought that he is 17 years old and will have time to win these awards."

Yamal currently has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2026 and the Catalan side are very keen on tying down the Spain star to a new contract and talks have been ongoing. Mendes also reiterated that his client, the 17-year-old, will sign a new deal with the club. He told Marca: "Lamine's future is in Barcelona. Barca is his place. He will renew and will be here for many years."

The Spanish teenager is said to be the next big thing in football and his rise at Barcelona has often been likened to that of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. Mendes opened up on the comparisons and said: "I don't like to compare players. Those who want to put Lamine's budding career in parallel with that of Messi should be blamed."