Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has won the Kopa Trophy for the Best Under-21 Player. The trophy was presented to him by France’s World Cup-winning former defender, Raphaël Varane.
This award also recognizes the best young male player of the year.
During the ceremony, the host asked Yamal, “You won this trophy last time as well. Are you ready to win the ‘Big One’ (Best Player of the Year) this time?”
A bit shy, Yamal replied, “I don’t know.”
As he left the stage, he added with a smile, “Maybe we’ll see again!”
Yamal chuckled with a slightly surprised expression—tension and excitement mixed together!
The award is named after French legend Raymond Kopa. Lamine Yamal became the first player in the short history of the Kopa Trophy to claim it.
After a successful 2024 European Championship campaign with Spain, Yamal reached new heights last season. As the creative hub of Xavi Flick’s rejuvenated Barcelona team, he led the Catalans to a domestic treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—all at the expense of rivals Real Madrid.
Despite his young age, Yamal was indispensable in these victories, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists across all competitions. Beyond the numbers, the 18-year-old left a lasting impression on professional peers with his commanding presence on the field.
Ahead of the 2025 Champions League final, six Inter Milan players were asked to name the toughest opponent of the season. From goalkeeper to striker, all six singled out Yamal.
On the women’s side, Barcelona and Spain’s attacking midfielder Vicky López won the Kopa Trophy, the Under-21 Player of the Year award for female players.
