Lamine Yamal wins Kopa Trophy for third year running as Vicky López claims women's award for Barcelona

Yamal claims Kopa Trophy for third straight year

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has won the 2026 Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards in London, adding another accolade to his growing collection. The forward collected the prize, which is given to the best Under-21 player in the world, for the third year running.

The award came after a standout year for the 18-year-old, who helped Barcelona win La Liga and played a key role in Spain's World Cup success. He beat a strong field that included team-mate Pau Cubarsí, as well as Yan Diomande, Lennart Karl, El Junior Kroupi, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Johan Manzambi and Warren Zaire-Emery.

Yamal in the running for the Ballon d'Or

Yamal has also been nominated for the main men's prize, where he is considered one of the favourites alongside Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. Ballon d'Or co-host Kate Scott opened the ceremony by describing it as the closest race for the top award in years.

Yamal will have to wait to find out whether he also takes the Ballon d'Or, but he can celebrate becoming Kopa Trophy winner once again.

Vicky López wins women's Kopa Trophy

Barcelona also tasted success in the women's Kopa Trophy, with Vicky López receiving the award for the second consecutive year.