Barcelona teammates Lamine Yamal and Vicky López have retained the men’s and women’s Young Talent of the Year awards at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday.

Yamal claimed the men’s award for the third consecutive year, having won it in 2024 and 2025, while López secured the women’s honour for the second successive year.

However, Yamal acknowledged his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí during his acceptance speech, saying the defender deserved to win the award.

“Pau Cubarsi deserves to win the best young talent award,” Yamal said.

The remark highlighted the winger’s recognition of his teammate, who was also among the nominees for the men’s award.

Yamal enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Barcelona, recording 16 goals and 11 assists in 28 La Liga appearances.

His contributions played a significant role in Barcelona’s league title triumph, while his performances earned him the La Liga Player of the Season award. The 19 year old also recorded his highest goal count in a single La Liga season.

Meanwhile, López delivered an impressive campaign for Barcelona’s women’s team, registering 10 goals and nine assists in 28 Liga F appearances during the 2025/26 season.

The Spanish midfielder’s contributions in attack helped underline her growing importance to the team as she continued her development at the club.

Having won the inaugural women’s Young Talent of the Year award in 2025, López’s latest victory makes her a two-time winner of award.

The double triumph gives Barcelona further recognition for its emerging talents, with both players retaining their respective awards at this year’s ceremony.

By: Adedoyin Onajobi