Kopa Trophy Winners: Complete List & History

by ADMIN 45 views

The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best performing player in the world under the age of 21. The winner is selected by former Ballon d'Or winners.

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)

Who is the Favorite to Win the 2024 Kopa Trophy?

As the footballing world eagerly anticipates the next Kopa Trophy ceremony, several young stars are emerging as strong contenders for the prestigious award. While it's still early to definitively name a favorite, a few names consistently come up in discussions among football analysts and fans.

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal is one of the favorites to win the 2024 Kopa Trophy. At only 16 years old, Yamal has already broken into Barcelona's first team and the Spanish national team. He is a very exciting and dynamic player with excellent dribbling skills and vision. — Bankai: A Comprehensive Guide To All Known Releases

Endrick

Another strong contender is Endrick, the Brazilian wonderkid set to join Real Madrid. Endrick has already demonstrated his goal-scoring ability and maturity beyond his years in the BrasileirĂŁo, making him a potential frontrunner for the award.

Joao Neves

Joao Neves is also a potential candidate to win the trophy. Playing as a midfielder for Benfica, Neves has already become an important player for the team. Several top clubs in Europe are scouting the young midfielder. — Celebs With Psych & Econ Degrees: Who Knew?

What is the Kopa Trophy?

The Kopa Trophy is an association football award presented to the best player under the age of 21. It is presented by France Football at the same ceremony as the Ballon d'Or. The award is named after Raymond Kopa, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1958. — Grow Pomegranate From Seed: A Complete Guide

The Kopa Trophy winner is determined by a jury composed of the living former Ballon d'Or winners. Each jury member casts a vote for their top three players, with points awarded based on the ranking (5 points for first, 3 for second, and 1 for third). The player with the most points wins the trophy.

Past Winners and Their Impact

  • Kylian MbappĂ© (2018): MbappĂ©'s win was no surprise after his stellar performances for PSG and his pivotal role in France's World Cup victory. He has continued to be one of the top players in the world, consistently challenging for the Ballon d'Or.
  • Matthijs de Ligt (2019): As a defender, De Ligt's win was particularly notable, recognizing his leadership and defensive skills at a young age. His move to Juventus further solidified his status as one of the best young defenders in the world.
  • Pedri (2021): Pedri's win highlighted his exceptional vision and passing ability in Barcelona's midfield. He has become a key player for both club and country, and is expected to be a mainstay in the Spanish national team for years to come.
  • Gavi (2022): Another Barcelona midfielder, Gavi, won the award in 2022. Like Pedri, Gavi is known for his technical skill, work rate, and maturity on the field. He continues to be a vital component of Barcelona's squad.
  • Jude Bellingham (2023): Jude Bellingham's outstanding performances for Borussia Dortmund and his subsequent move to Real Madrid made him a clear favorite for the 2023 Kopa Trophy. His impact in midfield and goal-scoring ability have quickly made him one of the brightest young stars in football.