Lamine Yamal becomes the first player to win the Kopa Trophy in consecutive years

The Spanish international has once again been recognized in Paris as the world’s best footballer under 21

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Tue, 23/09/2025 - 10:56

Overcoming a strong list of contenders—including fellow Spaniards Pau Cubarsí and Dean Huijsen—Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana on Monday became the first player ever to claim back-to-back Kopa Trophies.

The award, presented by France Football, honors the best footballer in the world under the age of 21 and is decided by a jury composed of all living Ballon d’Or winners. Both trophies were presented at the same gala in Paris this Monday.

At just 18 years old, having celebrated his birthday in July, Lamine Yamal has already earned 23 senior caps and scored 6 goals for Spain. With the national team, he reached the final of the UEFA Nations League on June 8 and is a reigning European champion after Spain’s victory at last year’s EURO in Germany.

The Paris ceremony also saw the inaugural women’s Kopa Trophy awarded to fellow Spaniard Vicky López, further highlighting Spain’s remarkable generation of emerging talent.

Receiving his second consecutive award, Lamine expressed his pride: “It is an honor to be here once again.” He also acknowledged the key role of his team and country:

“I want to thank FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team—without them I wouldn’t be here.” As has become his hallmark, the young international also looked ahead with ambition: “I hope to keep working to achieve many more trophies.”

Spain’s strength at youth level is further reflected in the fact that previous winners Pedri González and Pablo Páez Gavi, also internationals and FC Barcelona players, are among the past recipients. This makes Spain the nation with the highest number of Kopa Trophy winners worldwide, as well as the country with the most nominees in the latest edition—clear evidence of the extraordinary level and outstanding work carried out across Spain’s player development system.