Lamine Yamal and Aitana award winners at the 27th edition of the Festa de l’Esport Català

The focus was on FC Barcelona during the 27th edition of the Festa de l’Esport Català, as Aitana Bonmatí and Lamine Yamal both won awards. Presented jointly by the Unió de Federacions Esportives de Catalunya (UFEC) and the newspaper, SPORT, the awards acknowledge a number of outstanding aspects among Catalan sport during the year. The 2024 ceremony took place at the America's Cup Experience.

The setting at Barcelona's Port Vell saw a splendid Barça representation in attendance, comprised of the vice-president of the Institutional Area, Elena Fort, vice-president of the Economic Area, Eduard Romeu, secretary and director responsible for basketball, Josep Cubells, board member and director responsible for roller hockey, Xavier Barbany, board member and director responsible for amateur sports, Miquel Camps, board member and director responsible for futsal, Aureli Mas, and board member and director responsible for women's football, Xavier Puig.

Lamine, most promising sportsman

Lamine Yamal was also part of the delegation. FC Barcelona's constantly smiling number 27 received the award for most promising sportsman. The recognition shows how important the player is for Xavi despite his age, having broken a number of different records, both in 2023 when he became the youngest ever player to debut for Barça and the youngest goalscorer in LaLiga, and in 2024 when he became the youngest scorer in the Spanish Super Cup. 

"I am proud to receive this award; I am very happy. I want to thank Barça and my family who have always supported me", explained the La Masia-trained player on the America's Cup Experience stage. When asked about how freely he plays despite his age, Lamine said that he doesn't think about it. "I always dreamed about playing for Barça", he added. 

Aitana, best Catalan sportswoman

Aitana Bonmatí received an award for her great season, with the Balón d'Or and The Best winner being acclaimed once more. She received the best Catalan sportswoman of the year award at the Esport Català gala. Collective victories like the Champions League win with Barça or the World Cup win with the Spanish national side also support this latest award for Barça's number 14. "It's been a unique and unrepeatable year. This is an individual award, but I owe it to all my teammates and the staff who have done a great job", stated Aitana via a remote connection.