Ballon d’or 2026: Lamine Yamal makes history with third straight Kopa Trophy win

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has made football history after winning the 2026 Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, becoming the first player to claim the award three times.

The 19-year-old Spain international received the honour at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, following another impressive season in which he helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup before playing a key role in Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.

Yamal’s latest success extends his dominance in the award, which recognises the best young footballer under the age of 21. He previously won the trophy in 2024 and 2025.

His third consecutive victory puts him ahead of previous winners, including Kylian Mbappé, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri, Gavi and Jude Bellingham, who have each won the award once.

The Barcelona star beat several highly rated young players to retain the honour, including teammate Pau Cubarsí, Yan Diomande, Lennart Karl, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Johan Manzambi.

Yamal’s achievement comes after a successful 2025-2026 campaign at both club and international levels. He was instrumental in Barcelona’s domestic success and featured prominently in Spain’s run to the World Cup title, which they secured with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.

His performances have continued to strengthen his reputation as one of the most exciting talents in world football, with his dribbling, creativity and attacking influence making him a key figure for both Barcelona and Spain.

Despite his personal achievement, Yamal expressed a preference for his Barcelona teammate Cubarsí to have won the award, according to reports from the ceremony. He praised the defender’s performances while expressing gratitude to his club and national team.

Yamal’s third Kopa Trophy also adds to Barcelona’s impressive record in the award’s history. The club previously produced winners Pedri in 2021 and Gavi in 2022, before Yamal began his consecutive run in 2024.

The 2020 edition was not awarded, while Mbappé won the inaugural prize in 2018, de Ligt claimed it in 2019 and Bellingham was named the winner in 2023.

At 19, Yamal remains eligible for the award in future editions before turning 22, giving him the opportunity to extend his record.

His latest triumph further cements his status among the leading young players in the game, as attention turns to whether he can translate his growing collection of individual honours into further success with Barcelona and Spain.

BBC