Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal has etched his name further into football history after being crowned the winner of the 2025 Kopa Trophy, awarded by France Football to the world’s best U21 player. This marks the second consecutive year the Barcelona forward has lifted the prestigious award, confirming his status as one of the brightest talents in world football.
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Yamal’s Reaction After Winning the Kopa Trophy
Speaking after receiving the award, Yamal expressed his gratitude:
“Firstly, thank you to France Football for the award. It’s an honour to be here again. I would also like to thank my club, Barcelona, as well as the Spanish national team, because without them I would not be here.”
The 18-year-old added that winning the Kopa Trophy twice in a row is both “a motivation and a responsibility” as he continues to inspire the next generation of young footballers.
A Historic Season for Lamine Yamal
Yamal’s back-to-back win comes after an extraordinary season with FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team:
- He played a key role in Barcelona’s attack, scoring crucial goals and providing assists in La Liga and the Champions League.
- At international level, Yamal shone with Spain during the Euro 2024 campaign, helping the team reach the semifinals.
- His consistent performances at just 18 years old make him one of the youngest players in history to win the Kopa Trophy twice.
What is the Kopa Trophy?
The Kopa Trophy is awarded annually by France Football to the best U21 footballer in the world. Named after French legend Raymond Kopa, the award is voted on by former Ballon d’Or winners. Past winners include Kylian Mbappé, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi, and Jude Bellingham.
By winning in both 2024 and 2025, Yamal joins an exclusive list of players to have dominated youth football on the global stage.
Why Lamine Yamal’s Back-to-Back Win Matters
- He is the first Spanish player to win the award twice.
- His victory highlights Barcelona’s continued tradition of producing world-class talents from La Masia.
- At just 18, he is already being compared to legends like Lionel Messi for his creativity, composure, and match-winning ability.
What’s Next for Yamal?
With the 2025–26 season underway, Yamal is expected to play an even bigger role for both club and country. Many football fans believe he could be a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years if he continues his rapid rise.
