Lamine Yamal has done what no young player has done before, he has retained the Kopa Trophy for the second year running, earning it again at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony as the world’s best under-21 player.

At just 18 years old, the Barcelona and Spain winger continued to shine through the 2024-25 season, impressing both for club and country. His stellar contributions helped Barcelona clinch domestic success, while Spain made deep runs in international competition.

Yamal’s stats from the season were eye-catching: he scored 18 goals and delivered 25 assists in all competitions.

In his acceptance speech, Yamal paid tribute to the people behind his success: “Thank you to Barcelona … the national team … my family … and my teammates.” He also hinted at loftier ambitions: while he’s proud to reclaim the Kopa, he made clear his eyes are on the main Ballon d’Or.

With this achievement, Yamal becomes the first player ever to win the Kopa Trophy twice, underlining how quickly he is cementing his place among world football’s rising stars.