Lamine Yamal retains Kopa Trophy

Lamine Yamal has made history by winning the Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive year, becoming the first player ever to retain this award, which recognizes the best footballer under the age of 21. He received the honor at the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Upon accepting the award, Yamal expressed gratitude to France Football, FC Barcelona, and the Spanish national team, acknowledging their role in his success. He also mentioned teammates Pau Cubarsí and Raphinha, who were present, and thanked his family, concluding with a commitment to continue working hard.

The Kopa Trophy, first awarded in 2018, had always featured a new winner each year until Yamal's back-to-back victories. At just 18 years old, Barcelona's number 10 has established himself as a leading figure in global football, known for breaking records at a young age.

Yamal's win reinforces FC Barcelona's dominance of the Kopa Trophy, with blaugrana players having won it four times in the seven editions so far. Predecessors include Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022), and Yamal himself (2024), with Pau Cubarsí also nominated for the second year running.

Last season, Yamal had an extraordinary campaign under coach Hansi Flick, playing in 55 games, scoring 18 goals, and providing 21 assists. His contributions were pivotal in helping Barcelona achieve a domestic treble by winning the Liga, Copa, and Supercopa, and he also shone with the Spanish national team, aiding their reach to the Nations League final.

On an individual level, Yamal accumulated numerous accolades, including the Kopa Trophy, Golden Boy award, Laureus Breakthrough of the Year prize, and a spot in the FIFPRO World XI. Despite being only 18, he has already garnered an impressive array of honors.