Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has made a surprising choice when asked about the Kopa Trophy, insisting that his teammate Pau Cubarsí should be the only winner of the prestigious award for the best young talent in world football.

Yamal, who has already established himself as one of football’s brightest young stars, was among the names associated with the award. However, rather than putting himself forward, the teenage winger chose to publicly back Cubarsí, highlighting the central defender’s performances and importance to Barcelona.

“The only winner should be Pau Cubarsí,” Yamal said.

The statement underlines the strong relationship between the two Barcelona youngsters, who have progressed through the club’s renowned La Masia academy and become important members of the first-team squad at remarkably young ages.

Yamal Backs His Barcelona Teammate

Yamal’s support for Cubarsí is particularly notable because the winger has already enjoyed considerable individual success at a young age. He has become a regular starter for both Barcelona and Spain, earning widespread praise for his technical ability, creativity and maturity.

Despite his own credentials, Yamal believes Cubarsí deserves recognition for his performances in defence.

Cubarsí has developed into one of Barcelona’s most trusted young defenders. His composure on the ball, ability to read the game and confidence when playing out from the back have made him stand out despite his age.

For Yamal, those qualities make his teammate a deserving candidate for the Kopa Trophy.

Cubarsí’s Rise at Barcelona

Pau Cubarsí’s emergence has been one of the most encouraging developments for Barcelona. The defender came through La Masia before making the step into senior football, quickly showing that he could compete at the highest level.

Playing in central defence requires considerable maturity, particularly at a club where defenders are expected to be comfortable in possession and capable of initiating attacks from the back.

Cubarsí has demonstrated those qualities while also showing an impressive willingness to take responsibility in difficult situations.

His performances have also strengthened the belief that Barcelona’s academy continues to produce players capable of making an immediate impact at the highest level.

What Is the Kopa Trophy?

The Kopa Trophy is presented annually to the best young player in world football as part of the Ballon d’Or awards. It recognises outstanding performances from players who are making their mark at the highest level.

Winning the award is therefore a significant achievement for any young footballer, particularly because the list of nominees usually features some of the most exciting prospects in the game.

Yamal’s comments add another interesting dimension to this year’s race. Rather than focusing on his own achievements, he has chosen to publicly champion a teammate.

A Special Barcelona Partnership

The friendship and professional partnership between Yamal and Cubarsí could become increasingly important for Barcelona and Spain in the years ahead.

Both players represent the next generation of footballers emerging from La Masia, and their development has generated enormous excitement among supporters.

While the final Kopa Trophy decision will ultimately be made by the award’s voters, Yamal has made his position clear.

For the Barcelona winger, there is only one player who deserves the prize: Pau Cubarsí.