FC Barcelona complete full sweep of La Liga awards for August

FC Barcelona is flying high to open the 2024/25 campaign, and the first round of La Liga awards recognize the club's most important pieces for their outstanding contributions so far.

In his first season as manager of one of football's most iconic clubs, Hansi Flick has surpassed even the highest of expectations. The German has Barcelona playing some of their best football in the last five years, and his players appear prouder than ever to defend the Blaugrana badge.

Producing 13 goals through four matches, Barcelona's attack is firing on all cylinders. As Robert Lewandowski has rediscovered his prime goalscoring form, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have combined to form one of the most electrifying winger-tandems in football. So it's no surprise that Raphinha was awarded the La Liga Player of the Month for August, while Yamal was named U-23 Player of the Month.

Hansi Flick: Manager of the Month

In just his first month at the helm, head coach Hansi Flick has already stamped his imprint on FC Barcelona, securing the prestigious Manager of the Month award for the month of August. Thrust into one of the most challenging managerial positions in football, Flick has shown that his vision for FC Barcelona is actionable. From his first game in charge, Flick emphasized his belief in select academy players who he worked to integrate into the first team, even defying the Barcelona board’s preference for high-profile singings during the height of the transfer window.

Flick’s tactical decisions have paid off bountifully through match week four, with Barca sitting atop the La Liga standings, securing all 12 points to open a season for the first time since 2018. Flick’s commitment to balance, defensive solidity, and rigorous physical conditioning has revitalized the squad, and his guidance has brought the absolute best out of his players. From the backline to the front, the Catalan side is operating like a well-oiled machine, with each player shining in their role, contributing to the greater picture

Raphinha: Player of the Month

Raphinha’s future was filled with uncertainty just days before the beginning of the La Liga season. Multiple European clubs contacted club president Joan Laporta to check on the Brazilian’s availability, but Raphinha was steadfast in his mission to turn his Barcelona tenure around. Fast forward to the present, and Raphinha is making a case for the best winger in football, adding five goal contributions across Barcelona’s first four matches.

Flick has unlocked new dimensions in Raphinha’s game, encouraging the Brazilian to take on more of a foreign role on the left wing. The forward has embraced the new assignment, showcasing his versatility and willingness to play wherever he is needed. Raphinha’s performances have not only been critical in securing vital points for the team but have also cemented his status as one of the key figures in Flick’s evolving Barcelona project.

Lamine Yamal: U-23 Player of the Month

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has made La Liga his playground, toying with defenders weekly as if he were controlling puppets on a string. The young forward was named La Liga’s U-23 Player of the Month for August, a testament to his extraordinary development at such a young age. The young Spaniard has already staked his claim as one of the most innovative playmakers in football, restoring a sense of freedom that pundits fear is slowly leaving the beautiful game.

Yamal’s fearlessness in the teeth of the defense, combined with his technical ability on the ball, has made him a standout component of Barcelona’s early-season success, and his contributions will be key for Barcelona to fend off defending champions Real Madrid. Under Flick’s watch, the 17-year-old has the full license to dictate the tempo of Barcelona’s attack, and that freedom will only accelerate his progression as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.