Lamine Yamal wins historic third straight Kopa Trophy, admits Pau Cubarsi deserved it
Lamine Yamal has made history once again at the 2026 Ballon d’Or in the London Palladium as he picked up his third consecutive Kopa Trophy.
Having already won the Young Talent of the Year award in 2024 and 2025, the 19-year-old winger secured three trophies by helping the club and country in an incredible season. He scored 25 goals and provided 20 assists as he won the FIFA World Cup with Spain. In addition to the international trophy, he also won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona. Thanks to the award being for players aged 21 or younger, he can still win a fourth Kopa Trophy next year.
Pau Cubarsi deserved it and Yamal agreed
While Culers will always celebrate another piece of silverware heading back to Catalunya, marking the fifth time in six years a Barcelona teenager has taken home the Kopa Trophy following Pedri (2021) and Gavi (2022), it is hard to shake the feeling that voters got it wrong this time around. Simply put, this was Pau Cubarsí’s year.
Yamal immediately pointed out:
Pau Cubarsi deserved the Best Young Player Award
He certainly isn’t being modest here. Any fan of f will know it is simply true. While Yamal will always be in the headlines thanks to his incredible 45 goal contributions, Cubarsi has been the glue to hold the squad together.
Defenders suffer curse of being in an attackers award
With only 19-years-old, Cubarsi has carried the heavy burden of Flick’s high defensive line. With his senior teammates falling like dominoes, Cubarsi has dictated play from the back with the poise of a 10-year-veteran and shut down some of the best forwards in the world, which led him to domestic and World Cup glory
However, just like the Ballon d’Or, there is a clear bias toward attackers in the voting. As Yamal is already in contention for the main trophy, it seems pointless to give him another award. A player like Cubarsi from La Masia has put in a generational defensive display and should have won it.
Ultimately, having the best young players in the world arguing over who deserves it more is something every club would love to have. However, Yamal has made history by winning it three times in a row, and his quick compliment shows that the bond between the players in the Barça changing room is stronger than ever.
Today's best reads
Self-sabotage at Camp Nou: How defensive blunders cost Barcelona against an ordinary Real Madrid
Why this week could define Barcelona’s entire season, even in October
Barcelona’s midfield depth is about to get a serious test without Dani Olmo
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: La Liga preview, predictions, team news and TV info
Barcelona’s defensive frailties exposed in 4-2 Champions League defeat to PSG
