The curtain has fallen on the 2024/25 Champions League season, and while PSG celebrated their historic triumph, individual brilliance was also recognized. Among the myriad spectacular moments, Barcelona's prodigious talent, Lamine Yamal, captured the imagination of fans and experts alike, ultimately winning the coveted award for the best goal of the tournament. His breathtaking strike against Inter Milan in the semi-finals was deemed the pinnacle of attacking artistry in Europe's premier club competition.
A Masterpiece in the Semifinals
The UEFA Technical Advisory Board, tasked with evaluating the season's most memorable goals, placed Lamine Yamal's effort at the very top of their list of 10 outstanding strikes. The goal, scored in the first leg of Barcelona's semi-final clash against Inter Milan on April 30, 2025, was a moment of sheer individual brilliance. Having broken into Inter's penalty area, Yamal unleashed a tricky curling shot that left goalkeeper Yann Sommer with no chance, showcasing a combination of close control, vision, and exquisite finishing.
This crucial goal not only highlighted Yamal's exceptional talent but also provided a lifeline for Barcelona, reducing the deficit to 1-2. While the Catalan giants eventually managed to equalize the first leg at 2-2, Hansi Flick's side ultimately succumbed to Inter Milan in the second leg, losing 3-4 after 120 minutes and bowing out of the competition in the semi-finals. Despite his team's exit, Yamal's moment of magic remains a defining highlight of their Champions League journey.
Double Recognition and Elite Company
Lamine Yamal's impact on the 2024/25 Champions League was not limited to just his award-winning goal. Demonstrating his consistent ability to produce moments of individual brilliance, he also had a second goal feature in the top 10 list: his strike in the second leg of the Round of 16 against Benfica. This double inclusion underscores the significant mark the young Spaniard made on the tournament.
In the fiercely contested race for the best goal award, Yamal triumphed over a formidable array of attacking talent. His winning strike surpassed efforts from seasoned goalscorers like Lautaro Martinez and Declan Rice, whose goals ranked second and third respectively. The top 10 list was a testament to the quality on display throughout the competition, featuring a host of football's brightest stars. Other notable players whose goals made the cut included Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Marcus Thuram, Erling Haaland, and Julian Alvarez, highlighting the exceptional standard of Yamal's achievement.
Individual Brilliance and Future Prospects
Despite Barcelona's failure to reach the final, Lamine Yamal's individual performance throughout the Champions League was nothing short of exceptional. His fearless approach, technical prowess, and remarkable maturity for his age have earned him widespread acclaim. This burgeoning talent is now considered a strong contender in the race for the prestigious 2025 Golden Ball award, placing him alongside other bright candidates such as Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), and his Barcelona teammate Raphinha.
The 2024/25 Champions League season may have concluded, but it served as a significant platform for Lamine Yamal to announce his arrival on the global stage. His award-winning goal against Inter Milan will undoubtedly be replayed for years to come, a testament to his burgeoning talent and a glimpse into what promises to be an illustrious career.
Top 10 Best Goals of the 2024/25 Champions League:
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona 3-3 Inter) - Semi-final 1st leg, 30/04/25
- Lautaro Martinez (Bayern Munich 1-2 Inter) - Quarter-final 1st leg, 08/04/25
- Declan Rice (Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid) - Quarter-final 1st leg, 08/04/25
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid 3-1 Man City) - Play-off 2nd leg, 19/02/25
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid 5-2 Dortmund) - Matchday 3 of the qualifying round, 22/10/24
- Marcus Thuram (Barcelona 3-3 Inter) - Semi-final 1st leg, 30/04/25
- Zeno Debast (Sporting 2-0 Lille) - Opening match qualifying round, 17/09/24
- Erling Haaland (Man City 5-0 Sparta Praha) - Matchday 3 of qualifying round, 23/10/24
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona 3-1 Benfica) - Round of 16 second leg, 11/03/25
- Julian Alvarez (Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid) - Round of 16 second leg, 04/03/25