Barcelona’s teenage starlet Lamine Yamal became the first player in the short history of the Kopa Trophy to retain the award.
After collecting the prize dolled out to the best-performing male player under the age of 21 in 2024 following a triumphant year with Spain at the European Championships, Yamal scaled even greater heights last term. The creative hub of Hansi Flick’s reinvigorated Barcelona side led the Catalans to a domestic treble, scooping up La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup all at the expense of fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Yamal, despite his tender years, was crucial to these triumphs, racking up 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. Beyond cold, hard statistics, the 18-year-old inspired white hot fear into the hearts of his fellow professionals.
In the buildup to the 2025 Champions League final, half a dozen Inter players were asked to name their toughest opponent of the season. All six, spread across the pitch from goalkeeper to striker, chose Yamal.
