Lamine Yamal Clinches Back-to-Back Kopa Trophy at 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony

September 23, 2025 – Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation, made history on Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet, securing the 2025 Kopa Trophy as the world’s best under-21 player for the second consecutive year. The award, presented by France Football and UEFA, underscores Yamal’s remarkable rise, highlighted by his pivotal role in Barcelona’s domestic treble—winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España—under coach Hansi Flick’s guidance. His standout performances also contributed to Spain’s runner-up finish in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.

The young Spaniard received the trophy from former defender Raphael Varane, cementing his status as a prodigious talent. Yamal’s season included dazzling displays, with his left-footed precision and playmaking earning widespread acclaim. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to Barcelona, the Spanish national team, and his family, vowing to continue striving for excellence.

The ceremony also saw PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or, driven by his 35 goals and 16 assists in a treble-winning campaign. Meanwhile, Yamal’s consecutive Kopa wins align with research suggesting early success predicts long-term elite performance, setting the stage for his future challenges.