In a night filled with glitz and glamour at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, the spirit of Diego Maradona lived on through the achievements of young Barcelona forward, Lamine Yamal. The 16th edition of the prestigious awards, held on December 28, 2025, saw Yamal not only secure the title of Best Forward but also be honored with the coveted Maradona Award.
Yamal's stellar performances throughout the 2024-25 season cemented his place among football's elite. With 9 goals and 13 assists in 35 La Liga appearances, he showcased a remarkable blend of skill, vision, and maturity beyond his years. Under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, Yamal played a crucial role in Barcelona's impressive season, contributing 18 goals and 21 assists across all competitions. His versatility allows him to excel as a striker, attacking midfielder, or on the right wing.
The Globe Soccer Awards, founded in 2010, annually recognizes outstanding contributions to the sport. This year's ceremony, organized by the Dubai Sports Council, celebrated excellence across various categories, with Yamal's achievements standing out as a testament to his burgeoning talent.
Beyond his individual brilliance, Yamal's impact extends to the international stage. He became the youngest player to represent and score for the Spanish national team, further solidifying his status as a rising star. At the European Championships in the summer of 2024, he broke records as the youngest player to feature in the tournament and in a major tournament final, contributing to Spain's victory against England.
Yamal's achievements at the Globe Soccer Awards reflect Barcelona's strong presence in both domestic and international football. The club was named Best Women's Club, while Aitana Bonmatí secured the title of Best Women's Player. Other notable winners include Ousmane Dembélé (Best Men's Player), Luis Enrique (Best Coach), and Vitinha (Best Midfielder).
Cristiano Ronaldo, recognized as the Best Middle East Player, marked the occasion by launching the inaugural Globe Sports Award, which was presented to tennis star Novak Djokovic. The awards ceremony also honored football legends Andrés Iniesta and Hidetoshi Nakata with Player Career Awards.
As Lamine Yamal continues to develop and hone his skills, his future in football shines brightly. His achievements at the Globe Soccer Awards serve as both recognition of his present accomplishments and a promising glimpse into the potential that lies ahead. With the name of Maradona echoing in the background, Yamal's star is undoubtedly on the rise.
