Barcelona‘s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has written his name into the history books at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming the first player ever to win the prestigious Lamine Yamal Kopa Trophy for a second time. The award, given to the best-performing male player under the age of 21, crowns an incredible season for the 18-year-old Spanish international, who has now achieved something no previous prodigy, including Kylian Mbappé or Jude Bellingham, could manage.
This historic back-to-back victory cements his status not just as a future superstar, but as a dominant force in the present. The prize, voted for by former Ballon d’Or winners, is a resounding endorsement from the legends of the game.
A dominant season of silverware and stats
Yamal’s win comes off the back of a phenomenal 2024-25 campaign where he was the undisputed creative hub of Hansi Flick’s reinvigorated Barcelona side. He was instrumental in leading the Catalans to a domestic treble, securing the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup titles, all at the expense of their fierce rivals, Real Madrid.
Despite his tender years, his contribution was immense, as reflected in his staggering statistics. Across all competitions, Yamal racked up an incredible 18 goals and 25 assists, proving to be one of the most productive players in Europe.
Inspiring fear in Europe’s elite
Beyond the cold, hard numbers, the 18-year-old inspired genuine fear in his opponents. In a telling anecdote from the buildup to the 2025 Champions League final, six different Inter Milan players, from goalkeeper to striker, were asked to name their toughest opponent of the season. All six chose Yamal.
Even as Inter knocked Barcelona out in the semi-finals, Yamal’s individual brilliance was on full display. The “wriggling menace,” as he was described, attempted an astonishing 38 dribbles past the Italian side’s defence across the two-legged tie. To put that in perspective, his teammate Raphinha attempted 37 dribbles throughout the entire 2024–25 Champions League campaign.
Winning the Kopa Trophy is a sign of immense potential, but retaining it is a statement of current, world-class ability. His own ambition was clear when he recently revealed, “I don’t dream about winning a Ballon d’Or, I dream about winning many.” Based on this historic achievement, it seems not a matter of ‘if’ he will contend for the main prize, but ‘when’.