Yamal backs rival player to win key prize on Ballon d'Or gala night

Barcelona and Spanish national team star Lamine Yamal has endorsed teammate Pau Cubarsí to win the 2026 Kopa Trophy following Tuesday's nomination announcements.

​The 19-year-old forward addressed the award on Instagram, posting "@paucubarsi he's the only winner" shortly after France Football released the official shortlist on September 8.

​Yamal is also nominated for the accolade, which recognises the best under-21 player in world football. He won the Kopa Trophy in 2024 and 2025 but chose to advocate for his Barcelona and Spain teammate rather than campaign for a third consecutive honour.

​Cubarsí’s nomination follows a 2025/26 campaign where he won major honours for club and country. The 19-year-old centre-back anchored the Barcelona defence during their LALIGA title victory.

​He translated that domestic form to the international stage, featuring as Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. His performances during the tournament earned him the Young Player of the Tournament.

​Cubarsí and Yamal face competition from eight other emerging talents on the 10-man shortlist released on Tuesday.

​The list features Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, who returns as a candidate after finishing tied for eighth in 2024, alongside new Real Madrid signing Yan Diomande.  

​Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza also earned nominations following their respective breakout campaigns. 

Lennart Karl, Éli Junior Kroupi, Johan Manzambi, and Kerim Alajbegović complete the shortlist for the award, which will be presented at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 26.