Lamine Yamal backs Pau Cubarsi for Kopa Trophy: ‘You are the only one who deserves it’

Lamine Yamal has publicly backed his Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi to win the 2026 Kopa Trophy, despite being regarded as the leading contender to claim the award for a second successive year.

Yamal shared a message on his official Instagram account before the Ballon d’Or ceremony, directly addressing Cubarsi, who is competing against him for the prize awarded by France Football to the best young player.

“You are the only one who deserves it,” Yamal wrote.

The message was interpreted as a clear declaration that Cubarsi should receive the honour this year, with Yamal putting his personal chances to one side in favour of his Barcelona team-mate and close friend.

Yamal’s public endorsement has attracted widespread attention among football supporters around the world. It was viewed not simply as a brief gesture of encouragement, but as evidence of the strong relationship within the Barcelona squad.

The exchange also reflects what has been described as a collective spirit developing at Barcelona under manager Hansi Flick. The emphasis, according to the reaction to Yamal’s post, is on the interests of the group and the friendship between players both on and off the pitch, rather than individual competition.

Strong competition for the award

The Kopa Trophy race includes 10 young talents from around the world. Among the leading names in contention are Morocco’s Ayoub Bouaddi and Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza, alongside the two Barcelona players.

Although Yamal is considered the main candidate to retain the award, he has made his preference clear before the ceremony by backing Cubarsi, a young Barcelona defender, to take the prize.

The post prompted extensive discussion on social media, with many users describing Yamal’s gesture as a sign of considerable maturity despite his young age. Supporters also regarded it as a powerful message about the unity within Barcelona’s squad.

The reaction suggested that the club possesses more than individual talent, with Yamal’s words presenting a picture of a team built around friendship and a shared identity.

Cubarsi’s candidacy has therefore gained an especially prominent supporter in the shape of Yamal, his rival for the same award and one of the most closely watched young players in world football. The outcome will be decided at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where the Kopa Trophy winner will be announced.

Yamal’s intervention ensures that the award will carry an additional layer of interest before the result is revealed. Rather than promoting his own claim, the Barcelona forward has used his platform to argue that Cubarsi is the one player who deserves to win.

The gesture has been warmly received by football fans and has reinforced the impression that Barcelona’s young stars see themselves as part of a wider group, even while competing for one of the sport’s most prominent individual honours.