Spain’s Vicky López becomes the first female footballer to win the Kopa Trophy

Spanish football has once again marked a historic milestone. The inaugural edition of the women’s Kopa Trophy found its first winner this Monday in Vicky López Serrano, the Madrid-born star of Spain and FC Barcelona.

The Spanish international received the award in Paris, presented by France Football, which honors the best young player in the world under 21.

Vicky prevailed in the voting ahead of four other finalists: England’s Michelle Agyemang, Real Madrid and Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, the Netherlands’ Wieke Kaptein, and Paraguay’s Claudia Martínez Ovando.

Spain’s success was further underlined as Lamine Yamal was named the men’s Kopa Trophy winner for best under-21 player, completing a remarkable evening of recognition for the nation’s emerging talents.

Accepting her award from Raphaël Varane, the FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder dedicated the honor to her late mother: “This award is for my mother, who is watching over me from heaven, protecting me so that each year I can be a better person and a better footballer.” She also praised the work done within the national team structure: 

“I want to thank the RFEF and everyone involved, from the U-17 team to the senior squad.”

Born in the Madrid district of Vallecas, Vicky López turned 19 on July 26 and has already earned 11 senior caps and scored 4 goals. She progressed through Spain’s youth system with great success, including a FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph, before making her senior breakthrough.

With the senior national team, Vicky won the UEFA Women’s Nations League in Seville last year and reached the final of this summer’s European Championship in Switzerland, where Spain finished unbeaten.

Adding to her Kopa Trophy, the Madrid-born talent was also awarded the Golden Girl Award in 2024 by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, another prestigious honor for the world’s best player under 21.