Casablanca – Barcelona star Lamine Yamal won the 2026 Kopa Trophy on Monday, becoming the first footballer to claim the award three consecutive times.

The 19-year-old received the trophy during the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony at London’s Palladium Theatre, where Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi finished sixth in the young talent rankings.

The award, introduced in 2018, recognizes the world’s best young footballer under the age of 21, with the winner selected by former Ballon d’Or recipients.

Yamal first won the trophy in 2024, aged 17, following his breakthrough at Barcelona and Spain’s European Championship victory. He retained it in 2025 before completing his third consecutive triumph this year.

His latest victory follows another successful campaign with Barcelona, where he helped Hansi Flick’s side defend their La Liga title and win the Spanish Super Cup.

According to L’Équipe, Yamal recorded 25 goals and 20 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 season.

He also helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup, adding another major international trophy to his career.

During Monday’s ceremony, Yamal dedicated his victory to Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí, who finished second in the voting.

“I would have liked Cubarsí to win it. He deserves it,” Yamal said, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery finished third, followed by Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl and Ivorian international Yan Diomandé in fifth.

Morocco’s Bouaddi claimed sixth place, improving on his joint ninth-place finish in 2025.

The 18-year-old midfielder earned his second nomination following his performances for Lille during the 2025-26 season, before joining Manchester City in August.

Yamal’s latest victory brings Barcelona’s total to five Kopa Trophies, with Pedri winning in 2021 and Gavi in 2022.

The Spanish international is also competing for the men’s Ballon d’Or, having finished second in the 2025 edition.