Kopa Trophy Winners: Complete List & History

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The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best performing player in the world under the age of 21. It is presented by France Football at the same ceremony as the Ballon d'Or.

Here is a list of all the Kopa Trophy winners:

  • 2018: Kylian MbappĂ© (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • 2019: Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)
  • 2020: Not awarded due to COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2021: Pedri (Barcelona)
  • 2022: Gavi (Barcelona)
  • 2023: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

The Kopa Trophy is named after Raymond Kopa, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1958.

Who is Raymond Kopa?

Raymond Kopa was a French international football player, who primarily played as an attacking midfielder. He was renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills, creative playmaking abilities, and incisive passing. Kopa, alongside legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, was a key figure in the dominant Real Madrid team of the late 1950s, winning three consecutive European Cups from 1957 to 1959. In 1958, Kopa's outstanding performances earned him the Ballon d'Or, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of his era.

Eligibility Criteria for the Kopa Trophy

The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best-performing player under the age of 21. The winner is selected by a jury of former Ballon d'Or winners. To be eligible, players must meet the following criteria:

  • Be under the age of 21 before the end of the calendar year.
  • Play for a European club.

Previous Kopa Trophy Winners

Kylian Mbappé (2018)

Kylian Mbappé was the inaugural winner of the Kopa Trophy in 2018. He had an outstanding year, helping Paris Saint-Germain win the Ligue 1 title and also starring for France at the World Cup, where he scored four goals as France went on to win the tournament. — Hines Ward: Steelers Legend, Bio, And Career Highlights

Matthijs de Ligt (2019)

Matthijs de Ligt won the Kopa Trophy in 2019 after captaining Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals. He also led Ajax to the Dutch Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup.

Pedri (2021)

Pedri was awarded the Kopa Trophy in 2021 for his brilliant performances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona's midfield and was also a key player for Spain at Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics. — Tragedy In The Woods: 2 Hunters Found Dead

Gavi (2022)

Gavi won the Kopa Trophy in 2022 after becoming a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team at a very young age. His energy, technique, and tactical awareness have made him one of the most promising young midfielders in the world.

Jude Bellingham (2023)

Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy in 2023 after shining for Borussia Dortmund and becoming a key player for England's national team. His leadership, versatility, and goal-scoring ability have marked him as a future superstar.

Conclusion

The Kopa Trophy celebrates the brightest young talents in football. Each winner has demonstrated exceptional skill and potential, promising a bright future in the sport. As we look forward to future awards, the Kopa Trophy remains an exciting indicator of who will become the next generation of football superstars. — Farrah Abraham: New Documentary Explores Her Life