Yamal brought 20 family members and friends, including his father, Nasraoui, to the awards ceremony at the Chatelet Theater in Paris on 22/9. The Spanish midfielder was ready to celebrate in France if he won the prestigious individual award. However, he received only the Silver Ball, finishing behind Ousmane Dembele.
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Lamine Yamal poses with his family, with father Mounir Nasraoui on the right, ahead of the 2025 France Football Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Chatelet Theater in Paris, France, on 22/9/2025. Photo: AFP |
Lamine Yamal poses with his family, with father Mounir Nasraoui on the right, ahead of the 2025 France Football Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Chatelet Theater in Paris, France, on 22/9/2025. Photo: AFP
Nasraoui expressed his disappointment after seeing his son lose. "Next year, the award will be ours," he told COPE on the red carpet.
In another interview, Nasraoui was even more critical: "I don't think it's exactly a robbery, but it is certainly one of the biggest emotional blows a person can experience."
At the ceremony, Yamal remained composed and even hugged Dembele to offer his congratulations. The 18-year-old star didn't leave empty-handed, winning the Kopa Trophy for the second consecutive time, the award for the world's best under-21 player.
This is the first time in history a player has successfully defended the Kopa Trophy. Yamal broke the "one winner per year" cycle since France Football first awarded the prize in 2018. He also extended Barca's dominance in this category, with the club winning four out of seven awards, with Pedri (2021), Gavi (2022), and Yamal (2024, 2025).
"Thank you to France Football for this award," Yamal said on stage. "I'm very proud to be back here. I want to thank Barca, the Spanish national team, and my family. I hope to continue working hard to achieve even more."
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Lamine Yamal speaks as he receives the Kopa Trophy. Photo: Reuters |
Lamine Yamal speaks as he receives the Kopa Trophy. Photo: Reuters
Last season, Yamal scored 18 goals and provided 21 assists in 55 matches for Barca, contributing significantly to the team's domestic treble – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The player, born in 2007, also shone with the Spanish national team, helping them reach the Nations League final.
Individually, in addition to the Kopa Trophy, Yamal also won the Golden Boy award, the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award, and was named in the FIFPRO World XI.
Hong Duy compiled this report
