There are up to three Barcelona players among the candidates for France Football’s Kopa Trophy, an award given to the world’s best young footballer. The shortlist includes Pedro, a winner at the age of twenty in 2021, and two other promising talents from the club who are nineteen years old. The young Andalusian who claimed the prize last season is part of this group, and the final winner will be revealed at the gala on October 30.
Apart from the trio from Barcelona, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, an English midfielder aged twenty, has already left a strong impression in the league with five goals across his first four matches. A contemporary from Bayern Munich, a twenty-year-old striker, is widely regarded as one of the leading contenders for the ultimate prize.
Here is the first portion of the 2023 Kopa Trophy candidates as announced publicly by reputable sources:
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Gavi – FC Barcelona
Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich
Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid
Pedri – FC Barcelona
Note: this list was shared by Ballon d’Or on social media on September 6, 2023, as part of their ongoing coverage of rising stars in world football.
Camavinga, at twenty, is among several players tied to Madrid who appear on the selected list. Xavi Simons, a product of Barcelona’s youth system who later moved to Paris Saint-Germain and then Leizpig following an impressive stint at PSV Eindhoven, is also highlighted. The roster includes a defender option from Benfica, Antonio Silva, twenty-year-old Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United, and another noted young talent from Lens who rounds out the list.
For supporters in Canada and the United States, the Kopa Trophy shortlist offers a clear glimpse into the next generation of global football stars. The players named have already demonstrated a blend of technical skill, pace, and tactical intelligence that bodes well for their clubs and national teams in the coming years. While the prize recognizes only a single winner, the significance lies in spotlighting youth development across Europe’s top leagues and in the world stage. This recognition can boost market value, international exposure, and future career opportunities for these young players.
Fans should expect a competitive race as the gala approaches, with media coverage focusing on potential breakout performances, consistency across the season, and the ability to handle pressure during critical matches. The 2023 shortlist continues to emphasize the importance of technical ability, versatility, and the potential to impact games at the highest level at a very young age. The award remains a predictor of future stars who may become essential players for elite clubs and national teams in the near future, shaping how scouts and fans evaluate talent across different leagues.
Additional context around the nominees helps explain why each name matters. Bellingham’s early impact at Real Madrid showed a maturity beyond his years, combining scoring with playmaking that can influence results in big competitions. Gavi’s breakout at Barcelona highlighted his willingness to take risks in midfield under intense pressure, while Musiala’s development at Bayern showcased his creativity and goal threat in multiple attacking roles. Camavinga’s growth in central and defensive positions demonstrated his evolving strategic sense, and Pedri’s continued influence at Barca underscored the importance of vision, off-ball movement, and intelligence in possession-based systems. The interplay of these talents illustrates how scouting strategies value not just raw speed or goal-scoring, but decision-making under pressure and adaptability in different tactical settings. The Kopa Trophy thus serves as a compact lens on what modern young players need to reach the very top of the sport, both domestically and internationally. The broader takeaway for fans and analysts is that the next generation is already ready to compete at elite levels, with several candidates showing that they can shape seasons in meaningful ways. At the same time, the list has room for emerging talents who could redefine their paths through key performances in the months ahead. This narrative reinforces the idea that youth development is an ongoing, global effort, with clubs investing heavily in academy systems and high-potential youngsters who may become future stars on the international stage.