Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has claimed the Kopa Trophy for the second successive year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
The 18-year-old is among the favourites to take home the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in world football.
He is widely expected to miss out, however, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele anticipated to claim the top honour after his contributions to PSG’s historic treble-winning 2024-25 season.
Should that happen, Yamal will at least be able to take solace in becoming the first player to win the Kopa Trophy twice.
Established in 2018 and named after 1958 Ballon d’Or winner Raymond Kopa, the award recognises the best player in world football under the age of 21.
Yamal claimed the honour ahead of Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United last year, and his remarkable ascension has once again been recognised in 2025.
The Spain international was critical to Barca winning the LaLiga and Copa del Rey double in a season that also saw them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Yamal scored 18 goals in all competitions and also registered 21 assists as Barca reclaimed the LaLiga title from Real Madrid and also beat their arch rivals in a thrilling Copa final, with their hopes of a treble dashed by Inter Milan in an epic Champions League tie eventually settled after extra time.
He already has two LaLiga goals and two assists in three games but has missed Barca’s last three games with a groin issue.
