Lamine Yamal wins third consecutive Kopa Trophy

Lamine Yamal won the men’s Kopa Trophy at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, securing the young-player award for a third consecutive year and praising Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí after accepting it. Yamal, 19, previously received the prize in 2024 and 2025. The award recognizes the best young male footballer and is presented as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony. His latest win makes him the first player to claim the Kopa Trophy three years in a row, according to reports on the ceremony. In his acceptance remarks, Yamal said he believed Cubarsí should have won instead, citing the defender’s level of performance. He thanked Barcelona and Spain for their support and described receiving the award as an honour. Cubarsí was among the nominees and was identified as one of Yamal’s fellow Barcelona players. The pair have both become members of Barcelona’s first team. Yamal is a forward for the club and Spain, while Cubarsí plays in defence. Yamal’s comments shifted attention from his individual achievement to his teammate’s contribution, though the award result remained unchanged. The Kopa Trophy is distinct from the senior men’s Ballon d’Or, and winning the young-player award...