"Next year" - Lamine Yamal tells Barcelona teammate he'll win prestigious award
Lamine Yamal has tipped Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi to take the Kopa Trophy from him next year. The Blaugrana wonderkind Yamal won the prestigious award at last night's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.
The 17-year-old was recognized as the greatest U21 talent in world football with the award. He saw off competition from Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo.
Yamal exchanged words with Cubarsi on social media after the win. He wrote in response to the defender congratulating him on his Instagram:
"Next year, The Kopa Trophy is yours."
Cubarsi has similar to Yamal been ascending to the top of Spanish football amid a stellar spell in Barcelona's senior team. The 17-year-old center-back debuted last season and has become a regular in the Catalans' team.
The Estanyol-born teenager has appeared 14 times across competitions this season, helping his team keep five clean sheets. He's earned plaudits for his footballing IQ, reading of the game and positional awareness.
Barca's squad is brimming with youthful talent who could help them dominate European football for years to come. Yamal was on the scoresheet while Cubarsi helped them keep a clean sheet in a 4-0 win against rivals Real Madrid last weekend. Hansi Flick's Catalans sit top of La Liga after 11 games with 10 wins.
2022 Kopa Trophy winner Gavi congratulated Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal
Gavi was among Lamine Yamal's Barcelona teammates to congratulate the attacker on his Kopa Trophy win. The Blaugrana's youngest-ever player followed in the footsteps of the midfielder who won the award two years ago.
The 20-year-old posted a picture of himself, Yamal and 2021 winner Pedri celebrating the award. He wrote on his Instagram story:
"More than deserved brother."
Yamal's remarkable rise last season was unprecedented. He broke several records. He appeared 50 times across competitions for Barca, scoring seven goals and nine assists.
The Kopa Trophy winner was also excellent at international level, becoming Spain's youngest-ever player and goalscorer. He won the Young Player of the Year award at Euro 2024 as La Roja triumphed. The pacey trickster posted one goal and four assists in five games during the tournament in Germany.
Many in the football world expect Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, speaking on his YouTube channel, named him among Europe's current talent who could win the award in the future.