The Kopa Trophy 2025 nominees have been officially revealed, highlighting the brightest young football talents under the age of 21 in Europe. This year’s list features emerging stars from top clubs like PSG, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Each nominee has impressed with exceptional performances for both club and country, showcasing not just skill, but also consistency, maturity, and potential to shape the future of football.
The Kopa Trophy 2025 recognizes these rising stars and provides a platform for the world to witness the next generation of football superstars. These players have not only excelled in domestic leagues but also made significant impacts in European competitions. Their performances reflect skill, vision, and potential to become world-class stars in the near future.
10. Ayyoub Bouaddi – Lille
Ayyoub Bouaddi has made a name for himself in Ligue 1 with Lille, earning the 10th spot among the Kopa Trophy 2025 nominees. The young midfielder has impressed with his vision, passing accuracy, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His performances have been crucial in key matches, helping Lille secure vital points in the league. Bouaddi has also contributed with decisive assists and occasional goals, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. His tactical awareness and composure on the ball make him a standout performer among young French talents.
Internationally, Bouaddi has represented France in youth competitions, showcasing his ability to perform on bigger stages. Coaches and analysts have praised his consistency and adaptability, noting that he can operate effectively both as a central midfielder and in more advanced roles. While still developing physically, his technical skills and football intelligence position him as a promising candidate for future senior call-ups. The Kopa Trophy 2025 nomination reflects his growing reputation as one of Europe’s top young midfielders.
9. Pau Cubarsí – Barcelona
Pau Cubarsí, the young Barcelona defender, takes the ninth spot in the Kopa Trophy 2025 list. Known for his composure at the back and excellent ball-playing ability, Cubarsí has quickly become a key figure in Barcelona’s youth and reserve sides. His tactical intelligence allows him to anticipate opposition attacks and make crucial interceptions. He also demonstrates confidence in initiating build-up play from the back, contributing to Barcelona’s possession-based style.
At the international level, Cubarsí has represented Spain’s youth teams, impressing with his defensive leadership and maturity. Analysts highlight his positional awareness and calmness under pressure as key strengths. Despite his young age, Cubarsí has shown the potential to transition smoothly to senior football, a factor that greatly contributed to his Kopa Trophy 2025 nomination. With further development, he could become one of Europe’s elite defenders in the coming years.
8. Désiré Doué – PSG
Désiré Doué, PSG’s dynamic midfielder, claims the eighth spot among Kopa Trophy 2025 nominees. Doué is recognized for his creativity, ball control, and ability to influence the game in tight spaces. His contributions include goals and assists, making him a versatile threat in the attacking midfield role. Doué’s combination of technical skill and tactical understanding allows him to unlock defenses and provide decisive passes.
At the youth international level, Doué has represented France and shown leadership qualities despite his age. Coaches praise his energy, movement, and decision-making, which allow him to perform consistently against strong opponents. The Kopa Trophy 2025 nomination highlights his status as one of PSG’s most promising young talents, with potential to become a central figure in both club and national team setups in the near future.
7. Estêvão – Chelsea
Estêvão, Chelsea’s young midfielder, earns the seventh spot in the Kopa Trophy 2025 nominations. Known for his composure and ability to dictate the tempo in midfield, Estêvão has been a consistent performer for Chelsea’s youth and reserve sides. His technical skills, passing range, and vision have drawn attention from analysts and fans alike. He contributes both offensively and defensively, showing a well-rounded game.
Internationally, Estêvão has represented Portugal’s youth sides, impressing with his creativity and intelligence on the ball. He is capable of controlling games in midfield and linking up effectively with forwards. His leadership qualities and tactical awareness position him as a future first-team regular. The Kopa Trophy 2025 recognition cements his status as one of Europe’s top emerging talents.
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6. Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid’s promising defender, takes the sixth spot for Kopa Trophy 2025. Huijsen is noted for his defensive solidity, aerial dominance, and calmness under pressure. He has played crucial roles in La Liga matches and made notable appearances in the Champions League, earning praise for his maturity and positional awareness.
At the international level, Huijsen has represented the Netherlands youth teams, standing out for his leadership and game intelligence. Analysts see him as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects. With further experience, he could become a cornerstone for Real Madrid’s senior defense and a candidate for future senior national team call-ups.
5. Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal’s young midfield talent, ranks fifth among the Kopa Trophy 2025 nominees. Known for his creativity and composure, Lewis-Skelly has contributed goals and assists in youth and reserve competitions. His vision and ability to link play make him a vital part of Arsenal’s development squads.
Internationally, he has shone for England’s youth teams, demonstrating leadership and consistency. Analysts highlight his ability to perform under pressure, control tempo, and create opportunities. His inclusion in the Kopa Trophy 2025 list reflects both his current achievements and potential to excel in senior football.
4. Rodrigo Mora – Porto
Rodrigo Mora, Porto’s talented forward, takes the fourth spot. Mora is recognized for his scoring consistency in the Primeira Liga, using movement, positioning, and finishing ability to great effect. His versatility allows him to play across the front line and contribute to Porto’s attacking schemes.
For Portugal’s youth teams, Mora has demonstrated goal-scoring prowess and creativity. His technical ability, speed, and intelligence on the ball make him a standout talent. The Kopa Trophy 2025 nomination highlights his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising attacking players.
3. João Neves – PSG
João Neves, PSG’s dynamic midfielder, ranks third for Kopa Trophy 2025. Neves excels with his energy, vision, and passing, often creating chances for forwards. He has impressed in Ligue 1 and European youth competitions, showing maturity and tactical awareness.
Neves also represents Portugal at the youth level, demonstrating leadership and the ability to control the midfield. Analysts consider him a highly promising prospect, capable of progressing to PSG’s senior team and becoming a central figure. The Kopa Trophy 2025 nomination reflects his impressive development trajectory.
2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s record-breaking forward, takes the second spot in the Kopa Trophy 2025. Yamal has made history as the youngest scorer in La Liga, displaying incredible pace, dribbling, and finishing ability. His attacking intelligence and creativity allow him to dominate matches even at a young age.
Internationally, Yamal has already made an impact in Spain’s youth teams, showing maturity and composure in high-pressure situations. Analysts praise his technical skills, positioning, and goal-scoring instincts. His Kopa Trophy 2025 nomination confirms his status as one of the brightest talents in European football.
1. Kenan Yıldız – Juventus
Kenan Yıldız, Juventus’ young midfielder, claims the top spot in the Kopa Trophy 2025 nominations. Yıldız has stood out for his vision, technical ability, and creativity, providing goals and assists for the Italian side. His understanding of the game, movement, and passing make him a complete midfielder capable of influencing matches consistently.
Yıldız has also represented Germany at youth level, impressing with leadership and football intelligence. Analysts see him as a future star capable of becoming a central figure for both club and country. His Kopa Trophy 2025 nomination reflects his exceptional performances, consistency, and potential to shape the future of European football.
| Rank | Player | Club | Position | Notable Achievements 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenan Yıldız | Juventus | Midfielder | Key creative stats, standout performances in Serie A |
| 2 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | Forward | Record-breaking youngest scorer in La Liga |
| 3 | João Neves | PSG | Midfielder | Dynamic playmaker, assists leader |
| 4 | Rodrigo Mora | Porto | Forward | Scoring consistency in Primeira Liga |
| 5 | Myles Lewis-Skelly | Arsenal | Midfielder | Leadership qualities, youth international goals |
| 6 | Dean Huijsen | Real Madrid | Defender | Solid performances in La Liga, Champions League debut |
| 7 | Estêvão | Chelsea | Midfielder | Consistent performances in Premier League 2 |
| 8 | Désiré Doué | PSG | Midfielder | Creative influence, goal contributions |
| 9 | Pau Cubarsí | Barcelona | Defender | Strong defensive stats, youth international impact |
| 10 | Ayyoub Bouaddi | Lille | Midfielder | Breakthrough in Ligue 1, key assists |
FAQs – Kopa Trophy 2025
Q1: What is the Kopa Trophy 2025?
A1: The Kopa Trophy 2025 is awarded to the best football player under the age of 21, recognizing their performance at both club and international levels.
Q2: Who is eligible for the Kopa Trophy 2025?
A2: Players under 21 years old as of December 31, 2025, who have performed exceptionally for their club and national teams.
Q3: Which club has the most nominees in Kopa Trophy 2025?
A3: PSG and Barcelona each have two nominees in the top 10 list for Kopa Trophy 2025.
Q4: How is the winner of Kopa Trophy 2025 decided?
A4: The winner is voted by Ballon d’Or jury members, mainly consisting of journalists worldwide.
Q5: Who is the favorite to win Kopa Trophy 2025?
A5: Kenan Yıldız from Juventus is considered a strong favorite due to his creative influence, consistent performances, and impact at a young age.