Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has become the first player to win the men’s Kopa Trophy three times in succession after claiming the 2026 award at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
The 19-year-old previously received the honour in 2024, aged 17, and retained it in 2025. His latest success completes a historic hat-trick since the men’s award was introduced in 2018.
Yamal was chosen ahead of nine other nominees, including Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery and Yan Diomande. The Kopa Trophy is presented to the best young player in world football.
His award follows another successful campaign with Barcelona, in which he helped the Catalan club retain the La Liga title. His performances have also enhanced his reputation as one of the leading young players in the game.
Yamal has become an increasingly influential figure for Barcelona, contributing creativity and attacking threat while showing a level of maturity beyond his years. The Spain international’s continued development has now been recognised with a third consecutive individual award.
Barcelona’s record in the Kopa Trophy is also strengthened by Yamal’s achievement. The club has previously produced winners Pedri and Gavi, adding to the significance of the award’s latest result.
The Kopa Trophy was established in 2018 and is named after former France international Raymond Kopa. Its previous winners include Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi and Jude Bellingham.
Yamal’s evening in London could yet bring further recognition. He is also among the nominees for the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, giving him the opportunity to compete for the ceremony’s principal individual prize.
At 19, he has already set a new standard in the young-player category by winning three consecutive editions of the award.
