Lamine Yamal retains Kopa Trophy and says Pau Cubarsi deserved to win

Lamine Yamal was named the world’s best young player for a third successive year after retaining the Kopa Trophy at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

The 19-year-old Barcelona forward won the award for players under 21, adding another individual honour to a rapidly expanding collection and reinforcing his status as one of football’s leading young talents.

Yamal was presented with the trophy after competing against a number of Europe’s most highly rated young players. He said: “It is a great honour for me to be here today and to receive this award. This is the third year, and I am very happy to continue winning these awards.”

However, Yamal used his acceptance speech to highlight the achievements of Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi, saying he wished the defender had been at the ceremony and deserved the prize himself.

“The first thing I want to say is that I wish my team-mate Pau Cubarsi had been here with us tonight, because I believe this award should have gone to him,” Yamal said.

“He truly deserves it. He has been producing incredible performances for a long time, and I really wished he had been the winner of this award.”

Yamal also thanked Barcelona, Spain and the people who had supported him during his career, while making clear that he wants to add further team and individual honours.

“I want to thank my club, my national team and everyone who has helped me get here,” he said. “Now I have to keep working hard and try to win more collective titles and individual awards like this one.”

The Kopa Trophy followed an outstanding season for Yamal with both Barcelona and Spain. He played an important role in the success of the club and national side, offering a decisive influence through his technical ability and performances in major matches.

At international level, Yamal contributed to Spain’s run to the 2026 World Cup title. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to secure another major achievement in the forward’s international career.

With Barcelona, Yamal helped the club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup during the 2025-26 season. His continued impact has strengthened his position as one of the central figures in the Catalan club’s plans for the future.

The accompanying schedule lists Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on 31 October 2026, while Czechia and Spain are listed for Nations League – Path One on 12 November 2026.