Kopa Trophy: Complete List Of Winners (2018-2024)

The Kopa Trophy is an award presented annually by France Football to the best performing young football player in the world, under the age of 21. It is named after Raymond Kopa, the first French player to win the Ballon d'Or, and is voted for by the previous Ballon d'Or winners. This prestigious award celebrates the rising stars of football, recognizing their exceptional talent, performance, and potential to shape the future of the sport. Since its inception in 2018, the Kopa Trophy has highlighted some of the most exciting young players, providing them with a platform to gain recognition and further elevate their careers.

Kopa Trophy Winners

2018: Kylian Mbappé

The inaugural Kopa Trophy was awarded to Kylian Mbappé in 2018. At the time, Mbappé was already a global sensation, having played a pivotal role in France's victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Mbappé's performances for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were equally impressive, as he helped the club dominate French football. Winning the Kopa Trophy was a testament to his incredible talent and cemented his status as one of the brightest young stars in the world. Mbappé's impact on the game is undeniable, and his achievements at such a young age are truly remarkable.

Mbappé's journey to the top began at AS Monaco, where he burst onto the scene with his electrifying performances. His move to PSG further accelerated his development, and he quickly became an integral part of the team's attacking trident. Beyond his technical abilities, Mbappé's maturity and composure on the pitch set him apart from his peers. He possesses a rare combination of speed, skill, and intelligence, making him a complete forward. His ability to score crucial goals in big games has earned him the reputation of a clutch player. As he continues to evolve, Mbappé is poised to break numerous records and leave an indelible mark on the sport.

2019: Matthijs de Ligt

In 2019, Matthijs de Ligt claimed the Kopa Trophy, becoming the first defender to win the award. De Ligt's commanding presence and leadership qualities at the heart of the Ajax defense had captivated football fans worldwide. He led Ajax to an unexpected Champions League semi-final appearance, eliminating powerhouses like Real Madrid and Juventus along the way. De Ligt's aerial prowess, tackling ability, and composure on the ball made him a formidable opponent for any attacker. His performances earned him a high-profile transfer to Juventus, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess.

De Ligt's rise to prominence was meteoric, as he quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. His ability to read the game, anticipate danger, and organize the defense made him a valuable asset to any team. Despite his young age, De Ligt displayed remarkable maturity and tactical awareness. His leadership qualities were evident both on and off the pitch, as he captained Ajax with distinction. De Ligt's move to Juventus provided him with the opportunity to further develop his skills and compete at the highest level of European football. His contributions to both Ajax and Juventus have solidified his reputation as one of the most promising defenders of his generation.

2020: Not Awarded

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, France Football decided not to award the Kopa Trophy in 2020. The pandemic caused widespread disruption to the football season, with many leagues and competitions being suspended or canceled. France Football felt that it would be unfair to award the trophy given the circumstances. This decision was made in solidarity with the football community and to ensure the integrity of the award. While several young players had shown promise during the year, the lack of a complete season made it difficult to fairly assess their performances.

The decision to not award the Kopa Trophy in 2020 was met with mixed reactions. Some felt that it was the right decision, given the unprecedented circumstances. Others argued that the trophy should have been awarded to recognize the achievements of young players who had excelled despite the challenges. Ultimately, France Football's decision was based on a desire to maintain the prestige and credibility of the award. The pandemic had a profound impact on the world of football, and the decision to not award the Kopa Trophy was just one of the many ways in which the sport was affected.

2021: Pedri

In 2021, Pedri of FC Barcelona won the Kopa Trophy. Pedri's exceptional performances for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team had made him a standout candidate for the award. His vision, passing accuracy, and dribbling skills made him a key player in midfield. Pedri's ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates was truly remarkable. He quickly became an integral part of Barcelona's squad and earned the trust of manager Ronald Koeman. His performances at the Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics further solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young midfielders in the world. — Does Alicia Menendez Speak Spanish? Find Out!

Pedri's rise to stardom was rapid, as he quickly adapted to the demands of playing for a club like Barcelona. His composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and work ethic set him apart from his peers. Despite his young age, Pedri displayed remarkable maturity and leadership qualities. His ability to link up with Lionel Messi and other Barcelona stars made him a valuable asset to the team's attacking play. Pedri's performances for the Spanish national team were equally impressive, as he helped his country reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and win a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. His contributions to both club and country have established him as one of the most exciting young talents in football. — Download TikTok Videos: The Ultimate Guide

2022: Gavi

The 2022 Kopa Trophy was awarded to another Barcelona midfielder, Gavi. Gavi, following in the footsteps of his teammate Pedri, showcased exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years. His relentless energy, tackling prowess, and ability to dictate play in midfield made him a vital component of Barcelona's team. Gavi's performances not only helped Barcelona but also the Spanish national team, further solidifying his reputation as a future superstar. — Son Of The Mask: A Hilarious Sequel?

Gavi's aggressive style of play, combined with his technical skills, makes him a unique and dynamic midfielder. He is not afraid to challenge for the ball and is always willing to put in the hard yards for his team. His vision and passing range allow him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, while his dribbling skills enable him to navigate through crowded midfield areas. Gavi's passion for the game is evident in his every move, and his determination to succeed is truly inspiring. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, Gavi is poised to become one of the best midfielders in the world.

2023: Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham secured the Kopa Trophy in 2023, a testament to his outstanding performances and rapid development. Bellingham, who played for Borussia Dortmund at the time, impressed with his versatility, strength, and goal-scoring ability from midfield. His performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League highlighted his potential, leading to a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. Bellingham's impact was immediate, as he quickly established himself as a key player for both club and country.

Bellingham's ability to control the midfield, win tackles, and contribute offensively makes him a complete midfielder. His physical presence, combined with his technical skills, allows him to dominate opponents and dictate the tempo of the game. Bellingham's vision and passing range enable him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, while his dribbling skills allow him to navigate through crowded midfield areas. His maturity and leadership qualities are evident both on and off the pitch, as he leads by example and inspires those around him. As he continues to grow and develop, Bellingham is poised to become one of the best midfielders in the world and a future Ballon d'Or contender.

The Kopa Trophy serves as a significant indicator of future footballing greatness, with past winners often going on to achieve remarkable success in their careers. These young stars represent the future of football, and their performances inspire fans around the world. The Kopa Trophy not only recognizes their talent but also provides them with a platform to further elevate their careers and leave a lasting impact on the sport.