Although it was confirmed a while ago, Barcelona midfielder Gavi officially accepted the Golden Boy 2022 award at a gala in Turin that was held yesterday.
Although the youngster was not able to attend the event physically due to the upcoming game against Osasuna on Tuesday, he was present through a video conference.
“It is an honour to have this award, even more so because Pedri also won it (last year),” Gavi said (h/t SPORT), upon receiving the award.
Gavi won the prestigious award from the Italian publication Tuttosport, following a breakthrough 2021/22 campaign that saw him become a critical member of Barcelona’s creative setup. The youngster continued his progress by becoming Xavi’s preferred option in the interior midfield position this season.
However, the Spaniard, who has already featured in over 50 competitive matches for Barcelona, said he still has a lot of room for improvement. “Every player always has to improve. Especially me, I’m 18 years old and I have to learn a lot more,” he said.
Gavi is presented with the 2022 Golden Boy trophy!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 7, 2022
Gavi also apologised for not being at the gala to receive the award, adding, “I am sorry for not being able to be there with you. We have an important game against Osasuna, but it is an honour to win this award. Not only for me but also for all the young people who play football.”
Gavi was not the only Barcelona player to be handed the award last night, as Alexia Putellas, the winner of the 2022 Women’s Ballon d’Or, won the Golden Player Women Award.