Football

Yamal wins Kopa Trophy for third time at 2026 Ballon d'Or

Lamine Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, though the Barcelona player finished third in the main rankings.

27 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Yamal wins Kopa Trophy for third time at 2026 Ballon d'Or — Archive photoPhoto: Антон Зайцев · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Lamine Yamal, 19, won the Kopa Trophy at the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony, retaining his title as the season's best young player. The FC Barcelona player had already claimed this award in 2024 and 2025, achieving an unprecedented three-peat. English striker Harry Kane of Bayern Munich was named the season's top goalscorer with 73 goals in 65 matches, taking the prize he had previously won in 2022 alongside Kylian Mbappé.

Despite his success in the young talent category, Yamal could not reach the top of the main Ballon d'Or rankings, finishing third behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. According to the press, the Catalan player had accepted this result before the ceremony even began. When asked about his Kopa Trophy, Yamal said that his teammate Pau Cubarsi would have deserved the award more.

The ceremony also saw Spain claim other honours: according to the press, Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente was named best manager. This accumulation of Spanish accolades contrasted with Yamal's mixed outcome in the main rankings.

Some observers have questioned the main Ballon d'Or result. According to the Catalan press and the Barcelona player's entourage, it was difficult to understand why Yamal did not win the major trophy, with one suggesting he was the world's best player. Yamal had played a supporting role in Spain's World Cup title.

Beyond sporting stakes, Yamal also made an impression at the ceremony through his choice of attire, drawing attention with an original accessory worn on his black jacket.

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