Lamine Yamal wins historic third straight Kopa Trophy, admits Pau Cubarsi deserved it

Lamine Yamal made history by winning his third consecutive Kopa Trophy at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium. Following victories in 2024 and 2025, the 19-year-old Barcelona winger secured the accolade after a campaign featuring 25 goals and 20 assists, alongside winning the FIFA World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona. Upon receiving the honor, Yamal publicly stated that his teammate Pau Cubarsi deserved the award.

Everything Barca argues that Cubarsi should have won the trophy, contending that voters favor attacking players over defenders. The outlet notes that Cubarsi anchored Barcelona manager Hansi Flick's defensive line during their domestic and World Cup triumphs.