In an exclusive interview with Tuttosport after being named the winner of the Golden Boy 2024, Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal spoke highly of Juventus and one of their rising stars, Kenan Yildiz.
The Golden Boy ceremony, celebrating Europe’s best under-21 player, is set to take place this evening in Turin, Italy.
Yamal shared his thoughts on Juventus and particularly on Kenan Yildiz, the Juventus prodigy who has also been making waves in the football world.
Yamal commented, “Yildiz? We’re talking about a great player, one of great quality. I saw him in action on TV with Turkey at the Euros. He’s a creative midfielder who starts from the left and does excellent things. Plus, he plays for a great club like Juventus.”
Kenan Yildiz, born in 2005, has rapidly climbed the ranks at Juventus, showcasing his talent both in the club’s youth system and with the senior team.
His versatility to play on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder has made him a valuable asset for Juventus.
Moreover, his performances in the European Championships for Turkey, where he demonstrated his flair and vision, have caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. Despite his young age, Yildiz has already become an integral part of Juventus’ first team.
His contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed as he also won the Golden Boy Web 2024, an award voted by fans online, which highlights his popularity and the impact he’s made on the fans.
Yildiz joined Juventus through their Next Gen program, designed to nurture young talents for the first team.
His progression from the youth teams to the senior squad has been swift, marked by his debut in Serie A and appearances in the Champions League.
His talent has been recognized not only by his teammates and coaches but also by the broader football community highlights his importance to Juventus’ future projects and transfer interest from clubs like Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Borussia Dortmund, although Juventus considers him unsellable.
In a recent statement to Tuttosport, Yildiz expressed his commitment to Juventus, envisioning a long-term future with the club, saying, “I’m very happy at Juventus. My future is here. I see myself in Juve in 5 years.”
The Golden Boy award, established by Tuttosport in 2003, recognizes the best young footballer in Europe under the age of 21.
Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years and 4 months, has become the youngest winner of this prestigious award, succeeding Jude Bellingham.
His selection underscores a remarkable season where he not only contributed significantly to Barcelona’s success but also shone brightly during Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign.
Tonight’s ceremony will not only celebrate Yamal’s achievement but also spotlight the bright future of football with talents like Yildiz, who are poised to shape the next generation of the sport.
