Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is back in the Kopa Trophy spotlight after winning it last year, and he’s not alone this time – www.naijnaira.com reports.
This year’s final shortlist, released by 90min, shows a deep pool of talent under 21, with several names having already delivered big moments at club level.
Yamal, still only 18, is aiming to keep his title, but he’ll have to hold off teammates and rising stars from Real Madrid, PSG, and Chelsea.
Barcelona also see center-back Pau Cubarsí among the nominees, rewarded after playing a key part in a dominant defense under Hansi Flick.
PSG’s João Neves and Désiré Doué strengthened their case after helping the French side clinch the Champions League.
Real Madrid’s latest signing, Dean Huijsen, earned his nomination thanks to standout performances while on loan at Bournemouth.
The Premier League is represented too—Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea’s Estêvão both secured their spots following breakout seasons.
Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Porto’s Rodrigo Mora, and Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız complete the list of male nominees.
The award, named after 1958 Ballon d’Or winner Raymond Kopa, celebrates the world’s top under-21 player and is voted on by past Ballon d’Or winners.
Since its 2018 debut, the Kopa Trophy has been won by talents like Mbappé, Pedri, Bellingham, and Gavi.
On the women’s side, Brighton’s Michelle Agyemang, Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo, and Chelsea’s Wieke Kaptein lead the nominations.
Also making the women’s list are Barcelona’s Vicky López and Club Olimpia’s Claudia Martínez Ovando.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
