Ballon d’Or 2026: Lamine Yamal adds third Kopa Trophy to growing collection of honours

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has won the 2026 Kopa Trophy, becoming the first player to claim the award three consecutive times.

The 19-year-old received the prize on Monday during the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre.

Introduced by France Football in 2018, the Kopa Trophy recognises the best young footballer under the age of 21. The winner is selected by a jury of former Ballon d’Or winners.

Yamal Makes Kopa Trophy History

Yamal first won the award in 2024, aged 17, following his breakthrough season with Barcelona and Spain’s European Championship triumph.

He retained the trophy in 2025, becoming the first player to win it twice. His latest success extends that record to three consecutive editions.

The Spanish international enjoyed another successful 2025–26 campaign, helping Barcelona defend their La Liga title under manager Hansi Flick.

According to La Liga, Yamal scored 16 goals and provided 12 assists in the league, earning the competition’s Player of the Season award.

World Cup Success Adds to Yamal’s Achievements

Yamal also helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in July.

His individual honours have extended beyond football, with the Barcelona forward also receiving the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year award earlier this year.

Moroccan Talent Among the Nominees

Yamal faced nine other nominees for this year’s Kopa Trophy, including Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí, Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl and Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who joined Manchester City during the summer.

Barcelona have now won the Kopa Trophy five times. Pedri received the award in 2021, Gavi followed in 2022, and Yamal has claimed the subsequent three editions.

Yamal is also nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, having finished second in the main award’s 2025 rankings.