The Kopa Trophy is presented annually for the best under-21 performer of the year. Past winners have included the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi and Jude Bellingham, with Yamal being the first player in the award’s history to be crowned for a second consecutive year.
However, he is again not out for long to pursue a treble, with another stunning season at Camp Nou in the 2025-26 campaign where he scored 24 goals, created 18 goals in just 45 outings, and led Barcelona to La Liga glory, strengthening his push to have one of the best chances at the 2026 Ballon d’Or, too.
He is up against his clubmate, Pau Cubarsi. The Spaniard has been instrumental in winning La Liga before shining for his nation to win the World Cup. They are in the same nominee pool as new Real Madrid recruit Yan Diomande, Man City newcomer Ayyoub Bouaddi, and PSG’s Warren Zare-Emery.
Also nominated is Lennart Karl of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth, Aston Villa’s Johan Manzambi and Juventus’ Kerim Alajbegovi. In the women’s category, defending champion Vicky Lpez is defending her title against teammate Clara Serrajordi, Veerle Buurman of Chelsea, as well as Felicia Schrder and Lily Yohannes.
