Kopa Trophy Winners: Complete List & History
The Kopa Trophy is awarded 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. — Sims 4: Master UI Cheats Extension Guide
Here is a comprehensive list of Kopa Trophy winners:
- 2018: Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2019: Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax/Juventus)
- 2020: Not awarded (due to COVID-19 pandemic)
- 2021: Pedri (Barcelona)
- 2022: Gavi (Barcelona)
- 2023: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
History of the Kopa Trophy
The Kopa Trophy, named after French football legend Raymond Kopa, was established in 2018. Raymond Kopa was one of the first global football stars, playing as an attacking midfielder. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1958 and was a key player for Real Madrid in the late 1950s, winning three European Cups.
The trophy aims to recognize the best young football talent in the world. The winner is decided by a jury composed of former Ballon d'Or winners, adding prestige and credibility to the award. — Brynn Thayer's Exit From Matlock: The Real Reason
How the Winner is Determined
The winner of the Kopa Trophy is chosen by a jury of former Ballon d'Or winners. Each juror casts a vote for their top three players from a shortlist of nominees. The player with the most votes wins the trophy.
Significance of the Kopa Trophy
The Kopa Trophy is a significant award in the world of football because:
- Recognition of Young Talent: It highlights emerging stars and acknowledges their contributions to their teams.
- Prestige: Being recognized by former Ballon d'Or winners adds immense value to the award.
- Career Boost: Winning the Kopa Trophy can significantly boost a young player's career, increasing their market value and attracting attention from top clubs.
Fun Facts
- Kylian Mbappé was the inaugural winner of the Kopa Trophy in 2018.
- Barcelona has had multiple winners, highlighting their focus on nurturing young talent.
- The Kopa Trophy ceremony is held alongside the Ballon d'Or, making it a star-studded event.
Winning the Kopa Trophy is a major achievement for any young footballer, marking them as one of the brightest prospects in the sport. The list of winners showcases the incredible talent that continues to emerge in football, promising an exciting future for the game. — College Football Rankings: Top Teams & Analysis