Kopa Trophy Winners: A Complete List
The Kopa Trophy is awarded annually to the best-performing player in the world under the age of 21. It is presented by France Football at the same ceremony as the Ballon d'Or.
The Kopa Trophy is named after Raymond Kopa, the first French player to win the Ballon d'Or, in 1958. The award was established in 2018, with Kylian Mbappé being the inaugural winner.
List of Kopa Trophy Winners
Here is a complete list of Kopa Trophy winners since its inception:
- 2018: Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2019: Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)
- 2020: Not awarded due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2021: Pedri (Barcelona)
- 2022: Gavi (Barcelona)
- 2023: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Selection Process
The Kopa Trophy winner is selected by a jury composed of former Ballon d'Or winners. Each juror casts a vote for their top three players, with points awarded based on their ranking. The player with the most points wins the trophy.
Significance of the Award
The Kopa Trophy is a prestigious award that recognizes the best young talent in football. It is a sign that a player has the potential to become one of the world's best. Many past winners have gone on to achieve great things in their careers.
Fun Facts
- Kylian Mbappé was the first-ever winner of the Kopa Trophy.
- Barcelona is the only club to have two players win the Kopa Trophy (Pedri and Gavi).
- The Kopa Trophy is often seen as a predictor of future Ballon d'Or winners.
The Kopa Trophy continues to highlight exceptional young footballers, setting the stage for their future achievements and solidifying their place among the sport's elite. It will be interesting to see who wins the trophy in the coming years and what they will achieve in their careers.
Check out: France Football Official Website