See Who’s Nominated for the 2025 Kopa Trophy

The spotlight is on football’s next generation, as the organisers of the Ballon d’Or have revealed the ten young stars in contention for the 2025 Kopa Trophy.

Each year, the Kopa Trophy honours the best male player in the world under the age of 21, and this year’s list is packed with talent from across Europe and beyond.

The nominees include players already making waves in top leagues and clubs, some even earning regular starts for their national teams.

Among the standout names is Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who continues to rise through the ranks at Barcelona with dazzling performances. His teammate, Pau Cubarsí, also makes the list, adding to Barca’s reputation for grooming world-class youth talents.

Portugal’s Joao Neves, a dynamic midfielder for Benfica, earns a nod as well, alongside France’s Désiré Doué, who has impressed with his flair and versatility at Rennes.

Other names to watch include Estevão, a fast-rising Brazilian prospect; Rodrigo Mora, another young South American breaking into the scene; and Kenan Yildiz, the Turkish-German forward gaining attention with his creativity and eye for goal.

Also in the mix are Dean Huijsen, a composed defender with a sharp eye for passing; Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has shown maturity beyond his years in midfield; and Myles Lewis-Skelly, one of England’s brightest prospects.

With so much talent on display, the 2025 Kopa Trophy race promises to be exciting. Each nominee represents the future of football, and fans around the world will be watching closely to see who eventually claims the award later this year.