Yamal wins first award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony

A remarkable achievement for the Catalan talent

Lamine Yamal has won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player under 21 for 2026. The Barcelona star claimed the first award of the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on Monday evening, capping a season in which he shone for club and country.

Victory for the 19-year-old marks a third year in a row with the award in his hands. He saw off a field of Europe's brightest rising talents, a fresh accolade that reflects his remarkable development and his standing among the finest young players on the planet.

Yamal played his part as Spain lifted the 2026 World Cup, driving the national team's run to the title that a 1-0 win over Argentina sealed in the final.

At Barcelona he was just as influential, helping the club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2025-2026. His displays married success in club colours with international brilliance in the Spain shirt.

This latest honour gives his career another lift. Individual recognition sits alongside a global triumph, proof that he can compete at the very top despite his age and further cement his status as one of the standout talents of his generation.