Football's future is written by its rising stars, and the Kopa Trophy honours those who break through before turning 21. Since it was first handed out in 2018, the award has become a marker of the sport's next generation, spotlighting players who combine rare talent with the potential to dominate the world stage for years to come.

From teenage sensations to breakout performers, the roll of Kopa Trophy winners reads like a preview of football's coming decade. On this page you'll find the complete list of Kopa Trophy winners, the story behind the award, its standout names, and what sets it apart from every other young-player prize in world football.

Celebrating Football's Rising Stars

Recognizing exceptional young talent who represent the future of football worldwide.

6 WINNERS
17 YOUNGEST AGE
21 AGE LIMIT

Complete List of Kopa Trophy Winners

Kopa Trophy Winners Since 2018
Year Player Nationality Club Age
2025 Lamine Yamal Spain Barcelona 18
2024 Lamine Yamal Spain Barcelona 17
2023 Jude Bellingham England Borussia Dortmund 20
2022 Gavi Spain Barcelona 18
2021 Pedri Spain Barcelona 18
2020 Not awarded due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2019 Matthijs de Ligt Netherlands Juventus 20
2018 Kylian Mbappé France Paris Saint-Germain 19

Reviewing this list of past champions showcases the incredible standard required to reach the top of the sport. Interestingly, the next generation honoured here is already shortening in outright markets at the leading football betting sites, reflecting the high expectations and shifting odds for the rising stars who aim to be the next names added to this prestigious roll of honour.

What is the Kopa Trophy?

The Kopa Trophy recognizes the best-performing male football player under the age of 21 from the previous season. First awarded in 2018, it's presented alongside the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony. The trophy honors Raymond Kopa, a French football legend who won the Ballon d'Or in 1958.

Age Requirement

Players must be under 21 years old during the calendar year being evaluated

Voting Process

Former Ballon d'Or winners select their top 3 choices (5, 3, and 1 points)

Presented By

France Football magazine at the annual Ballon d'Or ceremony

Kopa Trophy Records and Statistics

🏆 YOUNGEST WINNER

Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
Age: 17 years
2024 Winner

🇪🇸 MOST WINS BY COUNTRY

Spain
3 Winners
Yamal, Gavi, Pedri

⚽ MOST WINS BY CLUB

Barcelona
3 Winners
Same as Spain
Dominant youth development

Eligibility Criteria

The Kopa Trophy is open to all male football players who meet these requirements:

  • Must be under 21 years old during the calendar year being evaluated
  • Can play in any league worldwide (not restricted to Europe)
  • Performance assessed over the previous season
  • No restrictions on nationality or club

Players can theoretically win multiple times if they remain under 21, though this hasn't happened yet.

Comparison with Other Young Player Awards

Young Player Awards Comparison
Feature Kopa Trophy Golden Boy
Age Limit Under 21 Under 21
Voters Ballon d'Or winners Sports journalists
Geographic Scope Worldwide European leagues only
First Award 2018 2003
Presented By France Football Tuttosport

There is also the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player award for the best player under 21 at each World Cup tournament, which has been awarded since 2006.

“I am very happy to receive this award. This rewards a great year, which I realise is thanks to all my team-mates in club and national team. My next goal? It is to lift everything (not only the Ballon d’Or). It will be with hard work and I’ll need help from my team-mates.”

— Kylian Mbappé, speaking after winning the inaugural Kopa Trophy in 2018 at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a player win the Kopa Trophy twice?

Yes, a player can win the Kopa Trophy multiple times as long as they remain under 21 years old. Lamine Yamal has achieved this feat, by winning the award twice.

Who votes for the Kopa Trophy?

The Kopa Trophy is voted on by all living Ballon d'Or winners. Each voter selects their top three players, awarding 5, 3, and 1 points respectively.

Why is there no 2017 Kopa Trophy winner?

The Kopa Trophy was first introduced in 2018, so there are no winners before this date. The award was created to complement the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

What's the difference between the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award?

While both recognize young players under 21, the Golden Boy is awarded by sports journalists and only considers players in European leagues. The Kopa Trophy has worldwide scope and is voted by Ballon d'Or winners.

Has any player from outside Europe won the Kopa Trophy?

While the award is open to players worldwide, all winners so far have been playing for European clubs. However, players from non-European nations like Brazil or Argentina playing in Europe are eligible and could win.