Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has become the first player to win the Kopa Trophy three times after claiming the award for a third consecutive year at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The 19-year-old Spain international was presented with the prize in London on Monday, October 26, after helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during the 2025-2026 campaign.
Yamal also played a key role as Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing the title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best footballer under the age of 21. Yamal first won it in 2024, followed that success in 2025 and has now extended his record with a third straight triumph.
His latest victory moves him clear of a list of former winners who have each collected the award once. That group includes Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi and Jude Bellingham.
Yamal saw off competition from fellow Barcelona player Pau Cubarsi, as well as Yan Diomande, Lennart Karl, Warren Zaire-Emery and Johan Manzambi.
His performances for club and country were central to his success. For Barcelona, he contributed to their domestic achievements, while his influence remained significant throughout Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign.
The forward’s dribbling, creativity and attacking ability have established him as one of the most highly regarded young players in world football. He has become an important figure for both Barcelona and Spain despite still being eligible for the award in future years before turning 22.
Reports from the ceremony said Yamal would have preferred the trophy to go to Cubarsi. He praised his Barcelona team-mate’s performances and expressed his gratitude to both his club and national side.
Yamal’s achievement adds to Barcelona’s strong record in the competition. Pedri won the award in 2021 and Gavi followed in 2022, before Yamal began his three-year run in 2024.
The Kopa Trophy was not awarded in 2020. Kylian Mbappe won the inaugural prize in 2018, Matthijs de Ligt claimed it in 2019 and Jude Bellingham was named the winner in 2023.
At 19, Yamal has the chance to extend his record in future editions. His latest individual honour further underlines his standing among the leading young players in the game, with his continued success for Barcelona and Spain now adding to an already notable collection of achievements.
