Real Madrid and France striker Kylian Mbappe finished second, behind Kane, while Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal secured the third spot. Yamal , who was keen to win the Ballon d’Or after an exceptional campaign with Barcelona and Spain this year, was named the winner of the Kopa Trophy, given to the best young player in the sport. The Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony concluded with England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane taking home the big prize. However, as the 19-year-old arrived on the stage to collect the honour, he was roasted by France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry .
Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry trolled Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal after the latter lost the Ballon d’Or 2026 trophy to Harry Kane.
I wish he had won it,” he said. “It’s your third one, right? That is your third one? But is it the one that you really wanted? Henry asked Yamal, leaving the Barcelona forward almost embarrassed. “I wish Cubarsi, my teammate, were here. This award should have been for him. Yamal also represented Spain at the World Cup, featuring in eight matches and scoring once as the national team secured the title.
The 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 season with Barcelona, playing a key role in the club’s La Liga and Spanish Super Cup triumphs. In 45 appearances for the Catalan club, Yamal scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking setup. His performances also earned him the Best Player award in La Liga for the 2025-26 season. In the Spanish domestic league, the forward registered 16 goals and 11 assists, finishing as the competition’s leading assist provider.
After receiving the award, Yamal said that the Kopa trophy should’ve been given to his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi .
