Lamine Yamal Kopa Trophy triumph sees him become the first player to retain the France Football award at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris

The 18-year-old claimed the honour at the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, recognising him as the world’s best footballer under the age of 21.

Also read: Ballon d’Or 2025 favourites shine with record seasons

Yamal, who celebrated his 18th birthday in July, enjoyed a remarkable campaign under new Barça coach Hansi Flick, making 55 appearances, scoring 18 goals, and delivering 21 assists as the club swept to a domestic treble – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa.

On the international stage, he continued to shine, helping Spain reach the UEFA Nations League final.

The teenager’s successive victories add to Barcelona’s dominance of the accolade, with the club now producing four of the seven winners: Pedri in 2021, Gavi in 2022, and Yamal in both 2024 and 2025.

His latest honour crowns a year in which he also lifted the Golden Boy award, received the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year prize, and earned a spot in the FIFPRO World XI, underlining his status as one of football’s brightest young stars.