The future of world football has arrived. France Football and UEFA have officially unveiled the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, celebrating the outstanding under-21 male player of the season.
As part of the prestigious 70th Ballon d’Or awards, the Kopa Trophy shortlist showcases the brightest young talents who have made a major impact across domestic leagues, European competitions, and international football throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
From teenage superstars already rewriting history to emerging talents announcing themselves on the global stage, the battle for youth football’s most prestigious individual prize promises to be another unforgettable chapter.
🌟 Complete 2026 Kopa Trophy Shortlist
The 2026 Kopa Trophy nominees represent a new generation of footballing excellence:
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Two-time defending champion - Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona / Spain)
- Ayyoub Bouaddi (Manchester City / France)
- Yan Diomande (Real Madrid)
- Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth / France)
- Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa)
- Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen / Algeria)
- Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
- Additional standout nominees representing the next wave of global football talent
🔥 The Battle for U-21 Supremacy
Lamine Yamal Eyes Historic Third Straight Victory
All eyes will once again be on Lamine Yamal, who enters the competition aiming to achieve something never done before: winning the Kopa Trophy three times in a row.
The Barcelona sensation has continued to deliver at the highest level, combining extraordinary technical ability, creativity, and maturity beyond his years. His performances for both club and country have placed him among the leading contenders for another historic triumph.
Barcelona’s Golden Generation Continues
Barcelona’s influence on the shortlist highlights the continued success of the club’s famous youth development system.
Alongside Yamal, defender Pau Cubarsí represents the strength of La Masia, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most composed young defenders with his intelligence, positioning, and confidence at the highest level.
Europe’s Rising Stars Make Their Mark
The shortlist also celebrates a collection of exciting young players who enjoyed breakthrough seasons across Europe.
Warren Zaïre-Emery continues to shine as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s most talented midfielders, while Ibrahim Maza has emerged as a creative force at Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Premier League prospect Junior Kroupi has impressed with his performances for Bournemouth.
From France to Spain, England to Germany, the nominees reflect the incredible depth of young talent shaping the next era of football.
🏆 When Will the 2026 Kopa Trophy Winner Be Announced?
The 2026 Kopa Trophy winner will be crowned during the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony, scheduled for:
Monday, October 26, 2026
London Palladium Theatre
The football world will discover whether Lamine Yamal completes a historic three-peat or whether a new young superstar rises to claim the crown.
Who deserves to win the 2026 Kopa Trophy? Share your prediction in the comments below.
