Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Becomes First To Win Kopa Trophy Back-To-Back

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has etched his name in football history by becoming the first player to win the prestigious Kopa Trophy in consecutive years.

Lamine Yamal, 18, who already lifted the award in 2024 after his dazzling performances for Spain at the European Championships, raised the bar even higher last season.

Under Hansi Flick’s guidance, Yamal was the heartbeat of a rejuvenated Barcelona side that stormed to a domestic treble, beating arch-rivals Real Madrid to La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Yamal’s influence was undeniable. He finished the campaign with 18 goals and 25 assists in all competitions, but his impact went far beyond numbers. His fearless dribbling and creativity left opponents in disarray.

Ahead of the 2025 Champions League final, six different Inter Milan players were asked to name their toughest opponent of the season. Every single one pointed to Yamal.

Although Inter ultimately ended Barcelona’s Champions League run in the semifinals, Yamal’s relentlessness stood out. He attempted 38 dribbles across the two legs, more than his teammate Raphinha managed in the entire tournament.

The Kopa Trophy, decided by former Ballon d’Or winners, recognises the best-performing player under the age of 21.

Since its inception in 2018, it has been awarded to some of the brightest talents in world football, including Kylian Mbappé, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi and Jude Bellingham. Until now, however, no player had ever managed to win it twice.

Yamal’s achievement reflects not only his remarkable consistency but also his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the world.

Below is the 2025 Kopa Trophy full ranking:

1. Yamal Lamine
2. Désiré Doué
3. Joao Neves
4. Estevao
5. Kenan Yildiz
6. Dean Huijsen
7. Pau Cubarsi
8. Rodrigo Mora
9. Ayyoub Bouaddi
10. Myles Lewis-Skelly

It was also a night of celebration for Barcelona on the women’s side. Nineteen-year-old forward Vicky Lopez scooped the Women’s Kopa Trophy, completing a memorable double for the Catalan giants.

Below is the 2025 Women’s Kopa Trophy full ranking!

1. Vicky Lopez
2. Linda Caicedo
3. Wieke Kaptein
4. Michelle Agyemang
5. Claudia Martinez Ovando