Lamine Yamal Makes History as Youngest Ever Kopa Trophy Champion in Stunning 2025 Victory
Barcelona's young sensation Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the inaugural player to win the Kopa Trophy twice in the award's brief existence.
Following his initial victory for outstanding performance as the top male player under 21 in 2024 after a stellar campaign with Spain during the European Championships, Yamal reached new pinnacles this past season. As the creative engine of Hansi Flick's revitalized Barcelona squad, he guided the Catalan club to a domestic clean sweep, capturing La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup - all victories coming against arch-nemeses Real Madrid.
Despite his youth, Yamal proved instrumental in these achievements, contributing 18 goals and 25 assists throughout all competitions. Beyond mere numbers, the 18-year-old struck terror into opposing professionals.
Prior to the 2025 Champions League final, six Inter Milan players were questioned about their most challenging adversary of the campaign. Every single one, ranging from goalkeeper to forward, selected Yamal.
Every Kopa Trophy Winner
Year | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
2018 | Kylian Mbappé | PSG |
2019 | Matthijs de Ligt | Juventus |
2021 | Pedri | Barcelona |
2022 | Gavi | Barcelona |
2023 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid |
2024 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
2025 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
Inter succeeded in eliminating Barcelona from the Champions League semifinals despite Yamal's relentless efforts. The elusive threat charged toward and consistently bypassed the Italian side's defense 38 times during the two-match series. His fellow winger Raphinha, also a candidate for the main Ballon d'Or award, managed 37 dribbles throughout the complete 2024–25 Champions League tournament.
Though Monday's main ceremony was determined solely by media representatives, the Kopa Trophy receives votes from previous Ballon d'Or champions. Kylian Mbappé claimed the first award in 2018 following France's World Cup triumph, while Yamal's Barcelona colleagues Pedri (2021) and Gavi (2022) have both secured the honor.
Matthijs de Ligt captured the 2019 prize and Jude Bellingham earned the trophy in 2023, but no former young talent had previously claimed the award twice—until Yamal's achievement.
Barcelona's 18-year-old sensation might secure three (or four) victories in future years, though his ultimate aspirations are evident. "I told my friends, I don't dream about winning a Ballon d'Or, I dream about winning many," Yamal disclosed before this year's ceremony.