The 2025 Kopa Trophy nominees have been announced, featuring talented young footballers vying for the prestigious award which includes Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, Desire Doue, Michelle Agyemang, Chelsea’s Willian Estevao and others.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is expanding its recognition of talent, particularly among young players. This year’s event will feature the Kopa Trophy, which honors the best under 21 players in the world.
Men’s Nominees
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
Estevao (Palmeiras/Chelsea)
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth/Real Madrid)
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Rodrigo Mora (Porto)
Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona
Women’s Nominees
Michelle Agyemang (Brighton/Arsenal)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)
Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea)
Claudia Martinez Ovando (Club Olimpia)
Vicky Lopez (Barcelona)
Past winners include Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, Barcelona stars Pedri and Gavi, as well as World Cup-winning ‘Galactico’ Kylian Mbappe.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to dazzle Paris on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet. This star-studded event, co-organized by UEFA and Groupe Amaury, will honor the world’s top footballers with several prestigious awards.
Meanwhile, watch as Derrick Maccaire opens up on challenges in kickboxing, MMA in Ghana