Lamine Yamal has made history at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony after winning the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, but the Barcelona superstar had a surprising message following his latest individual triumph: he believed his teammate Pau Cubarsí deserved the award instead.
The 19-year-old Spanish international secured the men’s Young Talent of the Year honour in London on Monday, October 26, extending his remarkable run after previous victories in 2024 and 2025. His latest success makes him the first player to win the prestigious award three years in a row.
However, rather than simply celebrating another personal milestone, Yamal used his acceptance speech to acknowledge Cubarsí’s performances and express his belief that the Barcelona defender should have been recognised.
Speaking after receiving the trophy, Yamal said he was honoured to win the award again but wished his teammate had been present at the ceremony.
“I would have liked to see my teammate Cubarsí here because I think this prize should have been for him. He deserved it. He has been playing at an excellent level for some time,” Yamal said.
The forward also thanked Barcelona and the Spanish national team for their support, recognising the role both have played in his development and continued success.
His comments added a touching moment to an otherwise celebratory occasion, with the young forward directing attention towards a teammate who has also enjoyed a significant rise in European football.
The moment became even more interesting when Thierry Henry asked Yamal about his ambitions for individual honours. The Barcelona star made it clear that he wanted to win every award, but maintained that the Kopa Trophy should have gone to Cubarsí.
“I want all of them, but this one should have been for Cubarsí,” was the message behind his response.
The admission offered a glimpse into the relationship between the two Barcelona teammates, who have developed into important figures for both their club and Spain.
While Yamal’s attacking performances have attracted much of the attention, Cubarsí has established himself as a dependable presence in defence. His composure on the ball, ability to read the game and maturity in high-pressure situations have made him one of Barcelona’s most promising young defenders.
Cubarsí was also among the nominees for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, having played a key role for Barcelona and Spain. However, he did not attend the ceremony in London, choosing instead to remain in Barcelona and rest after a demanding period of matches.
Yamal’s latest triumph continues a remarkable individual journey. His first Kopa Trophy victory in 2024 marked his emergence as one of football’s most exciting young prospects, while his second success in 2025 confirmed that his performances were not simply a brief breakthrough.
Winning the award for a third consecutive year now places him in unprecedented territory.
The achievement also adds to Barcelona’s impressive history with the Kopa Trophy, which recognises the world’s best-performing male footballer aged under 21. Before Yamal’s three consecutive victories, Barcelona midfielders Pedri and Gavi had also won the award, in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
For Yamal, however, the evening was about more than adding another trophy to his collection. His willingness to praise Cubarsí publicly demonstrated that he could celebrate his own success while acknowledging the contributions of another young player.
The Barcelona forward remains one of the leading figures of the next generation of football superstars, and his latest award further strengthens his growing list of individual achievements.
Nevertheless, his remarks ensured that Cubarsí also became part of the night’s biggest talking point.
Yamal has now won the Kopa Trophy in 2024, 2025 and 2026, establishing a record that no previous player has achieved. Yet, in a moment that captured attention beyond the award itself, the history-making winner insisted that his teammate deserved to take home the prize.
For Barcelona supporters, it was another memorable night for one of the club’s brightest stars, accompanied by a public show of appreciation for another.
