Ballon d’Or: Yamal beats Cubarsí to win third straight Kopa Trophy
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineBarcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal has won the men’s Young Talent of the Year award for the third consecutive year at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
The 19-year-old expressed gratitude after receiving the award but admitted that he believed his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí deserved the honour.
Yamal also thanked his teammates at club and international levels, acknowledging their contributions to his continued success.
The forward has established himself as one of football’s brightest young talents through his performances for Barcelona and Spain, earning further recognition with the latest award.
The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is being held at the London Palladium, with football stars from clubs across the world and journalists gathering for the event.
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The 2026 ceremony marks the first time the prestigious awards have been staged outside France.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane entered the ceremony as a leading contender to become England’s first Ballon d’Or winner in 25 years, but faced competition from Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé.
Kane claimed the men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first English player to win the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001.
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