BREAKING: Hat-Trick As Lamine Yamal Wins Best Young Talent Award At Ballon d’Or 2026
Lamine Yamal has won the 2026 Kopa Trophy, the Men’s Young Talent of the Year Award, at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, becoming the first player to claim the award three times.
The Barcelona winger previously won the prize in 2024 and 2025, and has now completed a hat-trick after another successful year for club and country.
Yamal beat competition from several emerging talents, including Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi, PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery, and Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande to retain the award recognising the best young player in world football.
Barcelona and Spain success strengthens Yamal’s case
The 19-year-old enjoyed another trophy-laden season in 2025/26, helping Barcelona win both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He also made a significant contribution in front of goal, finishing the campaign with 24 goals for the Catalan club.
In La Liga, Yamal scored 16 goals and provided 12 assists as Barcelona secured the title with 94 points. His performances also earned him the league’s Player of the Season award.
Internationally, Yamal added the 2026 World Cup to his growing collection of honours with Spain. He scored his first goal in the competition against Saudi Arabia and became the youngest player to win both the European Championship and the World Cup.
Another milestone in Yamal’s remarkable rise
The Kopa Trophy completes a unique individual achievement for Yamal, who had already become the award’s first two-time winner after his victories in 2024 and 2025.
His latest success follows a season in which he combined domestic silverware, individual recognition and a World Cup triumph.
With three Kopa Trophies before turning 20, the Barcelona forward continues to add to an already exceptional list of achievements.
The 19-year-old sensation also remains in contention for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the final announcement imminent.
