Lamine Yamal has made football history by becoming the first player ever to retain the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best footballer under the age of 21. The 18-year-old FC Barcelona star won the prestigious prize for the second consecutive year at the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
On receiving the award, Yamal expressed his gratitude, saying,
“Thank you very much to France Football for the prize. I’m proud to be back here. I want to thank FC Barcelona and the Spain team — I wouldn’t be here today without them.”
He also thanked teammates Pau Cubarsí and Raphinha, who were present in Paris, and gave a special shout-out to his family. “I hope to keep working and doing much more,” he added.
Since the Kopa Trophy’s creation in 2018, the award has always gone to a different player each year — until Yamal’s historic back-to-back win. At just 18, Barça’s No.10 has already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football, known for breaking records at a young age.
Barça’s Stronghold on the Kopa Trophy
Yamal’s consecutive victories reinforce Barcelona’s dominance in the award’s history. Out of seven editions, Barça players have claimed the trophy four times, including Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022), and Yamal himself. For the second year in a row, teammate Pau Cubarsí also earned a nomination, highlighting Barcelona’s thriving youth academy.
A Standout 2024/25 Season
In the 2024–25 campaign, Yamal featured in 55 matches under coach Hansi Flick, scoring 18 goals and providing 21 assists. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa. Internationally, he helped Spain reach the Nations League final.
Alongside the Kopa Trophy, Yamal also collected the Golden Boy award, Laureus Breakthrough of the Year, and earned a spot in the FIFPRO World XI, underscoring his meteoric rise.
With so many accolades at only 18 years old, Lamine Yamal’s future looks exceptionally bright.
