The Ballon d’Or organisers have officially announced the nominees for the 2025 Kopa Trophy, an annual accolade given to the world’s best-performing player under the age of 21.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, Pau Cubarsi, Désiré Doué, Estevão, Dean Huijsen, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Rodrigo Mora, Joao Neves, Lamine Yamal, and Kenan Yildiz are among the ten upcoming stars nominated for the prestigious award, according to a statement made on Thursday by X.
“These are our 2025 Kopa Trophy nominees!” the Ballon d’Or team announced, celebrating the emerging talents shaping the future of global football.
Barcelona sensation Yamal, who recently turned 18 and inherited Lionel Messi’s old No. 10 shirt in Catalunya, helped the Blaugrana to La Liga and Copa del Rey titles in 2024-25.
France international Doue starred for PSG as they captured a historic Champions League crown, with Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves one of his club colleagues at Parc des Princes.
Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakthrough year at Arsenal while also making his senior England debut and will be joined in the Premier League for the 2025-26 campaign by exciting Brazilian starlet Estevao, who has completed a big-money transfer to Chelsea.
In the women’s game, Michelle Agyemang is one of the five nominees after playing a super-sub role for England in their Euro 2025 triumph. The Arsenal-owned forward netted a couple of crucial goals there and was named Young Player of the Tournament.
Barcelona’s forward Lamine Yamal was crowned the winner of the prestigious 2024 Kopa Trophy, establishing himself as the world’s top young footballer.
“Lamine Yamal is the 2024 Kopa! The 18-year-old Spanish wonder boy can’t be stopped!” Ballon d’Or organisers announced via X, celebrating the Spanish international’s achievement.
The teenage sensation topped an impressive list of young talents, finishing ahead of Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, who placed second.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo secured third place, while Savinho and Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi rounded out the top five positions.
