Lamine Yamal has added another landmark to his young career, winning the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London. The Barcelona forward, now 19, became the first player to collect the award three times, extending a run that began in 2024. It is a notable achievement for a footballer still at the start of his senior career, especially in an award that places the game’s most promising under-21 players under the spotlight. Yamal’s latest win also arrives after a season in which he remained central to Barcelona’s attack.

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Lamine Yamal makes Kopa Trophy history

The Kopa Trophy recognises the best men’s young player in world football and was introduced by France Football in 2018. Yamal first won it in 2024, aged 17, then retained the prize in 2025. His third success now gives him a record no previous winner has managed: three victories, all in successive years. The award is voted for by former Ballon d’Or winners, adding a distinctive layer to the recognition. It is not simply a count of goals or assists; the honour reflects how a young player’s overall performances have stood out among his peers. For Yamal, the result offers another marker of how quickly he has become a leading name in European football.

Barcelona form underlines his impact

Yamal’s 2025-26 campaign brought a strong return in front of goal. He recorded 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona across competitions, according to figures reported around the awards. His contribution helped the Catalan club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, giving the individual honour a team-success backdrop too. Those numbers matter, but Yamal’s influence is not limited to the final pass or finish. Operating from wide areas, he can stretch a defence, carry the ball into dangerous positions and create chances for teammates. That mix of direct attacking play and creative responsibility has made him a key part of Barcelona’s plans.

Ballon d’Or eludes Yamal as Kane wins

Yamal was also in contention for the main men’s Ballon d’Or, but the top prize went to England captain Harry Kane after his season with Bayern Munich. Kylian Mbappé finished second and Yamal placed third in the voting. The result means the Barcelona forward left the ceremony without football’s biggest individual award, but not without a significant achievement of his own.

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There is no need to dress up the difference between the two honours: the Ballon d’Or recognises the leading player overall, whereas the Kopa Trophy focuses on young talent. At 19, Yamal remains eligible for the youth award, so another campaign could bring him back into contention. Barcelona have previously had Kopa winners in Pedri, who won in 2021, and Gavi, who received it in 2022. Yamal’s three-year streak adds a new chapter to that record. For supporters, the question now is not whether he has made history, but how far he can take his game from here, against the strongest opponents in Europe.

Editor - Neha

Neha is the Co-Director & Editor at sportselite.in, drawn to the stories that give Sports their energy beyond the scoreboard. She brings clarity, context, and a human perspective to coverage across Elite Sports, from standout performances to shifting team dynamics and memorable contests. At sportselite.in, Neha helps turn complex sporting developments into engaging stories, keeping readers connected to the people and moments behind the action.

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