Lamine Yamal makes history with second Kopa Trophy

Lamine Yamal has written his name into football history once again. The FC Barcelona starlet has retained the Kopa Trophy, the award that recognizes the best footballer in the world under the age of 21. For the second year running, the teenager stood on the stage of the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris during the Ballon d’Or ceremony to accept the prize, and in doing so, he became the first player ever to win it twice.

The Kopa Trophy, created by France Football magazine in 2018, has had a different winner every year since its inception. That streak ended with Yamal. At just 18 years old, he is already setting standards that few can match, even among the elite talents who have collected the award before him. He turned 18 only in July, yet his maturity on and off the pitch continues to amaze both fans and experts.

When receiving the award, Yamal expressed gratitude to those who helped him reach such heights. He thanked France Football for the honor, while also giving credit to his club and country. “I want to thank FC Barcelona and the Spain team, I wouldn’t be here today without them,” he said. He also mentioned his teammates, Pau Cubarsí and Raphinha, who were also in Paris for the event, and gave heartfelt thanks to his family. In closing, he shared his determination: “I hope to keep working and doing much more.”

Yamal’s win adds to Barcelona’s dominance of the Kopa Trophy. Out of just seven editions of the award, four have been won by Barça players. Pedri claimed it in 2021, Gavi followed in 2022, and then Yamal took over with wins in 2024 and now 2025. This shows the strength of La Masia, the club’s famous youth academy, and the ability of Barcelona to nurture world-class players before they even reach their twenties. For the second year in a row, Cubarsí was also nominated, proving again that the club’s talent pipeline remains strong.

The past season was nothing short of spectacular for Yamal. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he made 55 appearances for Barça under coach Hansi Flick, scoring 18 goals and registering 21 assists. His performances were central to the team’s domestic treble, which included the Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. Each of those triumphs had Yamal’s fingerprints on them, and his creativity and maturity in crucial moments made him one of the most decisive players in Europe.

Beyond club football, Yamal also shone with the Spanish national team. His displays helped Spain reach the Nations League final, a stage where he again demonstrated his ability to deliver against top opposition. For a player who only recently left behind his teenage years, his composure on the international stage has been nothing short of remarkable.

Individually, Yamal’s list of honors has already grown too long to count easily. Alongside the Kopa Trophy, he collected the Golden Boy award and the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year prize. He also earned a place in the FIFPRO World XI, putting him among the best players in the world regardless of age. That kind of recognition confirms that he is not just a young talent but already part of football’s global elite.

What makes his story even more striking is how often he has broken records of precocity. From his first-team debut at an age when most are still playing youth tournaments, to his decisive role in winning titles for both club and country, Yamal has consistently defied expectations. Retaining the Kopa Trophy is just another milestone in a career that seems destined for greatness.

Observers say his success is a reflection of hard work, talent, and the right environment. Barcelona has placed enormous trust in him, and he has rewarded them with performances that have changed games. Fans have already embraced him as the face of the future, and his number 10 shirt has become one of the most popular items in the club shop.

As he stood in Paris for the second year in a row, Yamal sent a message not only about his talent but also about his consistency. Winning an award once can be explained as a breakthrough moment, but winning it again proves lasting quality. With so many accolades already behind him and many years ahead, he has the chance to become one of the defining players of his generation.

The Kopa Trophy has now become part of Yamal’s story, but it may just be the beginning. His ambition, combined with the tradition of excellence at Barcelona, could see him competing for the Ballon d’Or itself in the years to come. For now, he has made history as the first-ever repeat winner of the award, and in doing so, he has strengthened his reputation as the brightest young talent in football.

At only 18, the question is no longer whether Yamal will achieve greatness but just how far he can go.