Monaco played host to the Golden Foot Awards this week, with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II presiding over the prestigious event held at the Automobile Club de Monaco…
The awards ceremony, renowned for recognizing lifetime achievements in football, named Argentinian striker Lautaro Martinez as the 2024 “Golden Foot winner.” Martinez, who plays for Inter Milan and recently won both the Italian championship and Copa America, expressed his gratitude to Prince Albert and the Golden Foot committee, sharing his excitement via video conference. “The first words that come to mind are thank you. I am proud to be part of this legacy,” he stated, emphasizing his honor at joining the esteemed Champions Promenade in Monaco.
Martinez, who surpassed global football icons like Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, and Harry Kane, was celebrated for his outstanding 2024 season, including 27 goals, 7 assists, and five goals in the Copa America. The event also honoured five legendary players with the “Golden Foot Legend” award: Portuguese star Rui Costa, Dutch defender Ruud Krol, former Barça player Gerard Piqué, Italian champion Fabio Cannavaro, and Spanish forward Fernando Llorente.
The women’s category recognized Saki Kumagai, presented by Louis Ducruet, who praised her significant contributions to women’s football. Concluding the ceremony, the Golden Foot unveiled the first plaque for a future “Golden Foot Café Legends Museum,” featuring none other than Prince Albert II’s own footprints, commemorating Monaco’s long-standing commitment to celebrating excellence in international sports.
