Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has made history by retaining the prestigious Kopa Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday. The 18-year-old forward is the first player ever to win the men’s youth award in consecutive years.
The Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21, highlights Yamal’s meteoric rise as one of football’s brightest young talents. Last season, he scored 18 goals in 55 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s triumphs in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Yamal also contributed significantly to Spain’s victory at the European Championship, further cementing his status as a key player on the international stage.
He first received the Kopa Trophy in 2024, following Spain’s continental success, and has now solidified his dominance among the youth.
On the women’s side, Yamal’s compatriot Vicky López claimed the women’s Kopa Trophy at this year’s event.
Ahead of the main awards, the organizers unveiled the Ballon d’Or men’s rankings from 30th to 11th place. Notable players such as Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Robert Lewandowski, and Harry Kane missed out on a top-10 finish.
Paris Saint-Germain was well represented, with Fabián Ruiz, João Neves, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among the contenders. PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé is widely tipped to contend for the top prize later in the evening.
The atmosphere at the Théâtre du Châtelet was electric as football’s biggest stars gathered, eagerly awaiting the crowning of the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.
