Lamine Yamal has been named the world’s best young player for the second year running after landing the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards in Paris. The teen sensation was instrumental in Barcelona's success, winning the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2024-25 season. And he played a starring role in Spain’s triumphant run to glory at last year’s European Championship.
Yamal lands top award at glittering Paris ceremony
The world's football elite were in attendance as Lamal beat competition from Barcelona team-mate Pau Cabarsi, Arsenal full-back Martin Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea's Estevao. And he beat Desire Doue, who came second, to the award despite the thrilling season the France international had for PSG.
AdvertisementAFPHow the Barcelona star beat the competition
Lamal contributed significantly to Barca's attack, bagging 18 goals and 25 assists last season – a total which was also the most in LaLiga. He set several records at Euro 2024, including the youngest player to appear in a European Championship final and the youngest-ever goalscorer at the tournament.
The Kopa 2025 rankings in full
Here's how the voting went in Paris…
AFPWhat next for Yamal?
They're three massive mountains to climb, but within a couple of years Lamal could add a Champions League title, UEFA Nations League and World Cup crown to his already impressive trophy cabinet haul. And who knows, he could upgrade his Kopa crown for a Ballon d'Or.
