Barcelona Forward Lamine Yamal Youngest Winner of Kopa Trophy

At Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal became the youngest ever winner of the Kopa Trophy—an award recognizing the best under-21 player in men's football. It is the third time in four years that a Barcelona player has claimed the trophy, succeeding Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham in 2022. Yamal also merited No. 8 in the men's Ballon d'Or voting.

Aged 17, Yamal has had a stellar year with significant achievements both in his club and as an integral part of Spain's European Championship triumph. The player expressed his honor in winning the award and thanked everyone who had supported him throughout his journey.

Emerging as an impressive player, Yamal not only got placed in the top 10 of Ballon d'Or voting but also became the youngest ever footballer to do so. With ambitions of surpassing Brazil international Ronaldo's record as the youngest ever Ballon d'Or winner, he looks forward to an active career in football.

Yamal gave a promising performance in the Barcelona senior team debut in 2023, with 50 appearances, seven goals, and seven assists to his name. His performance earned him a position in Spain's squad for Euro 2024 in Germany, which Spain went on to win. His contribution to Spain’s triumph includes a notably brilliant semifinal goal against France, recognized as the Goal of the Tournament.

Yamal's excellent form continued in the new campaign under German coach Flick, aiding Barça in winning 10 of their first 11 games in LaLiga. His recent victory in a game against Real Madrid saw him becoming the youngest scorer in the Clásico, signifying a bright future awaiting the young Barcelona forward.