trophy cup
In a Friday update, nominations were announced for two prestigious prizes tied to the Ballon d’Or season. The Kopa Trophy recognizes the standout young talent, while the Yashin Trophy honors the best goalkeeper of the campaign. These awards are part of the broader Ballon d’Or celebration and help spotlight emerging stars and elite shot-stoppers across European football.
Within the list for the best young players, a notable presence includes a Spanish talent playing for Barcelona and a prominent La Liga figure who represents Real Madrid. Their inclusion underscores the depth of young talent emerging from both La Liga and European academies, signaling a bright future for Spanish football despite the strong competition at the continental level.
On the goalkeeper front, there is no Spaniard among the finalists. However, three La Liga goalkeepers feature prominently on the shortlist. Jan Oblak is named for Atletico Madrid, Thibaut Courtois represents Real Madrid, and Yassine Bono of Sevilla is also among the candidates. These selections highlight the high calibre of goalkeepers plying their trade in the Spanish league and their impact in domestic and European competitions.
Below are the full candidate lists for each trophy, providing a window into the players delivering standout performances across Europe this season.
trophy cup
- Karim Adeyemi (Salzburg Dortmund)
- Jude Bellingham (Dortmund)
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
- Gavi (Barcelona)
- Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax Bayern)
- Nuno Mendes (Sport PSG)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern)
- Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen)
Agen Cup
- Yassine Bounou (Sevilla)
- Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
- Ederson (Manchester City)
- Mike Maignan (Milan)
- Edward Mendy (Chelsea)
- Manuel Neuer (Bayern)
- Jan Oblak (Atletico)
- Kevin Trapp (Eintracht)
- Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)
Analysts note that the absence of a Spanish goalkeeper among the Yashin contenders does not diminish the overall quality on the list. Instead, the focus shifts to a diverse set of habits, styles, and regional strengths that define the season. Observers expect that the final voting will consider performances in domestic leagues, European competitions, and the ability to influence decisive matches. As the selections circulate, fans and pundits discuss potential surprises, tactical versatility, and the impact these players have had on their teams’ campaigns. The awards process remains a highly anticipated moment, amplifying narratives around young leadership and goalkeeping excellence across Europe. [Citation: Seasonal awards committee report, sports press briefing]