Rising Stars Revealed: Meet the Young Talents Vying for Football's Prestigious Kopa Trophy in 2025

The shortlist for the Kopa Trophy, which will be presented during the 2025 Ballon d'Or gala, has been announced, with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal expected to defend his title successfully.

The trophy, named in honor of Raymond Kopa who claimed the 1958 Ballon d'Or, was established in 2018 and recognizes the world's top player under 21 years old, as determined by a panel of previous Ballon d'Or recipients.

Yamal claimed the honor last year, beating Real Madrid's Arda Güler and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, so his inclusion among the 2025 candidates comes as expected for Barcelona's 18-year-old prodigy.

Barcelona boasts two players on the nominee list. Defender Pau Cubarsí has also earned recognition following an outstanding campaign as a regular starter in Hansi Flick's championship-winning defensive unit.

While both Barcelona players are considered strong contenders this year, they face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain pair João Neves and Désiré Doué, who were instrumental in their club's Champions League triumph last season.

Recent Real Madrid acquisition Dean Huijsen earns his spot after an impressive campaign with Bournemouth, alongside Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea's new signing Estêvão.

The remaining nominees include Lille's midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, Porto striker Rodrigo Mora, and highly sought-after Juventus talent Kenan Yıldız.

Kylian Mbappé inaugurated the award in 2018. Subsequently, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi, and Jude Bellingham have all claimed the prize before Yamal's triumph last year.

Complete Kopa Trophy 2025 Nominee List

Women's Kopa Trophy 2025 Nominees