Lamine Yamal adds another award: LaLiga MVP 2025-26 at 18 years old

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is no longer a promising talent: he's a reality in LaLiga . The Barcelona winger was named MVP of the 2025-26 season after the 94-point campaign that secured the title for Hansi Flick's side, adding yet another trophy to a collection that's filling up faster than Spanish football can keep up.

He wasn't the only one. Goalkeeper Joan García won the award for best save, and Flick was named best manager for the second time. The most complete individual hat trick of the season. And all this in a league where Real Madrid finished far behind.

The awards of the year, in order

LaLiga 2025-26 trophy cabinet with a Barcelona flavor. Source: LaLiga.

“Another award for Lamine Yamal’s talent. The FC Barcelona number 10 has been recognized as the LaLiga MVP 2025-26. The magic of the La Masia-born striker is undeniable. Every match he contributes dribbling, goals, and assists. He is a proverbial headache for opposing defenses.”

FC Barcelona, ​​official statement

Joan García, the goalkeeper who changed everything

If Yamal was the engine, Joan García was the safety net. The Barça goalkeeper took home two awards: best save of the year and the Zamora Trophy , having conceded only 21 goals throughout the entire league season. The save that earned him the former was a header from Pere Milla in the derby against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium: a firm hand, high up, in a play that went viral within minutes.

In a season where Barça's defense saw a lot of rotation, Joan's consistency was the most stable feature. And in close matches, he was the difference between three points and a draw.

What now? The key factors for 2026-27

With Yamal firmly established as the number 10 and Flick boasting the authority of a title in his second season, expectations at Barça are higher than ever. The challenges of the upcoming season:

1. Support Yamal with smart minutes. The number 10 is now the cornerstone. Flick will have to manage rest periods to ensure he's fresh for the Champions League and Cup matches.
2. Strengthen the defense with Joan García as the anchor. Zamora leaves the goalkeeper on display, but the defensive unit is still rotating. A top-class center-back would help.
3. Confirm the project in the Champions League. La Liga is over. Flick's Barça's main objective is, once again, Europe.

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Bet on the next LaLiga MVP

Will Yamal repeat as champion or will a new name emerge? The odds for the next LaLiga MVP on the road to the 2026 World Cup are already available at afun.mx , along with the rest of the schedule.

Read also: Iraola to Liverpool, the move no one saw coming · Elliot Anderson, England's engine for the World Cup

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