Lamine Yamal wins Kopa Trophy

Everyone could see it coming but now it's official. Lamine Yamal has won the Kopa Trophy, the award for the best footballer in the world under 21 years of age, at Monday's Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. 

"I am very proud to win this trophy" he said on collecting the silverware from Dutch legend Ruud Gullit. "I want to thank the staff, the players, the national team, Luis de la Fuente, Xavi, who was there for me, and now Hansi ... Visca el Barça and capital 304."

For those who don't know, Capital 304 is the district of Mataró, Catalonia, where he grew up.

After his extraordinary 2023/24, there was never really any question who was going to scoop the prize. Lamine Yamal has done things that have rarely been seen by a player of his age. Maybe never. Born 17 years ago last July, he was already a regular choice under Xavi Hernández, scoring 7 goals in 50 games.

Already a huge name in his home country, it was at the European Championship where he really caught the global eye, being one of the key reasons why Spain won the trophy for a record fourth time. His goal against France in the semi-finals was watched over and over in every corner of the world, and now into the 2024/25 season, he's continuing the magic under Hansi Flick, having already contributed 6 goals and 5 assists.

Following Pedri and Gavi

Lamine Yamal is the third Barça player to win this prize, which was first awarded in 2018. Pedri was the first in 2021 and Gavi won it the year after. The other winners have been Mbappé in 2018 (PSG), De Ligt in 2019 (Juventus) and Bellingham in 2023 (Real Madrid). There was no award in 2020 because of coronavirus.

Barça on top

The figures speak for themselves. In the short existence of the trophy, FC Barcelona has already had three winners. No other club has had more than one.