And four months later, he became the youngest player to start a Champions League game at 16 years and 83 days, beating previous record holder Celestine Babayaro.

He also became Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer, and smashed Gareth Bale’s record as the youngest scorer in a European Championship qualification match.

After a memorable breakthrough year, the La Masia product is, unsurprisingly, being recognised for his talent in the form of awards.

On Friday afternoon Yamal was awarded ‘The Youngest’ trophy at the annual Golden Boy ceremony, presented by Italian publication Tuttosport.

The award honours his position as the youngest player ever to appear on the Golden Boy podium.

In other news, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was crowned the 2023 Golden Boy after receiving an extraordinary 97% of the vote, or 485 points out of a maximum of 500.

Bellingham, who is leading La Liga’s goalscoring charts with 10 goals in 11 games, is the seventh La Liga player to win the award since its inception in 2003.

Jude Bellingham responds to “tap-in” merchant claimss

He follows in the footsteps of Barcelona pair Pedri (2021) and Gavi (2022).

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey so far at Birmingham, Dortmund and now Madrid. It wouldn’t be possible without them,” Bellingham said.

“Lastly and most importantly my family who give me the support and motivation and love every day to keep striving.

“Now I have this prestigious award I want to keep going. I want to keep pushing the limits of my potential and hopefully many more trophies to come.”

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who recently picked up the Ballon d’Or, received the Golden Player Woman award.