Ballon d'Or 2025: Lamine Yamal creates history, retains Kopa Trophy

Sports Tak

Sports Tak

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Ballon d'Or 2025: Lamine Yamal creates history, retains Kopa Trophy
Lamine Yamal in the frame.

Story Highlights:

Yamal joins the elite list of Kopa winners after back-to-back triumphs, following Barca legends Pedri and Gavi.

The 18-year-old starred in Barcelona’s domestic treble under Hansi Flick, cementing himself as world football’s brightest young talent.

Barcelona's star winger Lamine Yamal has achieved an amazing feat, as he became the first player in the short history of the Kopa Trophy to retain the award.

After receiving the prize dolled out to the best-performing male player under the age of 21 in 2024 after a triumphant year with Spain at the Euros 2024. Hansi Flick reignited the spark in the Barcelona side, as he led them to the domestic treble in the 2024-25 season, winning the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Every Kopa Trophy winner

2018 - Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe while playing for PSG, became the first winner of the Kopa Trophy in 2018, establishing himself as one of the dangerous players in the world of football.

2019 - Matthijus de Ligt

The Dutch defender Matthijus de Ligt won the award in 2019 after an amazing season with Juventus.

2021 - Pedri

Barcelona's star midfielder Pedri won the award in 2021, showcasing his creativity and calm on the pitch.

2022 - Gavi

Barcelona midfielder Gavi emerged as the 2022 winner, creating a significant impact for his club with his performances in the midfield.

2023 - Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham won in 2023, displaying remarkable versatility and leadership that has made him indispensable for club and country.

2024, 2025 - Lamine Yamal

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal etched his name in the history by winning the Kopa trophy consecutively in 2024 and 2025, a proof of his consistency and amazing skills as a teenage sensation.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal etched his name in the history by winning the Kopa trophy consecutively in 2024 and 2025, a proof of his consistency and amazing skills as a teenage sensation.

Despite Lamine Yamal's best efforts Inter Milan defeated Barcelona in the semifinals of Champions League 2024-25. The winger dribbled past the Italian defense 38 times across two legs. On the other hand, Yamal's teammate Raphinha, contender for the Ballon d'Or, attempted 37 dribbles throughout the entire 2024-25 Champions League campaign.