During the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi ranked sixth for the Kopa Trophy. The award for the world’s best young player was presented to Lamine Yamal for the third time.
Morocco’s young footballing talent shines once again on the highest international stage. On the occasion of the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony held in London, the young Atlas Lions international Ayyoub Bouaddi secured a highly respectable sixth place in the final standings for the Kopa Trophy. This prestigious individual distinction, which rewards the world’s best player under the age of 21, confirms the midfielder’s promising talent and the growing appeal of Moroccan gems playing in Europe’s major leagues. The presence of the young Atlas Lion among the world’s top ten prospects bears witness to the quality of development and the rise of national football.
A third consecutive crown for Spain’s Lamine Yamal
Unsurprisingly, the first award presented during this grand London evening went to Lamine Yamal, who writes another chapter in the history of this category. Having already won in 2024 and 2025, the Spanish national team forward won the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year. Following an exceptional season highlighted by a World Cup title with La Roja and a domestic double with FC Barcelona, the Spanish international compiled impressive statistics with 20 goals and 20 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions.
A global ranking dominated by European youth
Behind the untouchable Spanish winner, the final standings highlight the future icons of world football alongside whom the Moroccan international managed to earn his place. Lamine Yamal finished ahead of his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí as well as young Ivorian forward Yan Diomandé, who shone in the colors of RB Leipzig before signing with Real Madrid. The sixth position achieved by Ayyoub Bouaddi serves as major encouragement for the remainder of his international career and brings immense pride to supporters of the Morocco national team.
