Vicky López makes history by winning first women's Kopa Trophy
The FC Barcelona Women's team can add another successful chapter to their already successful history. Young talent Vicky López has won the inaugural Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards in the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, given the best U21 player in the world.
It is the first time thar France Football have awarded the prize in Women's Football and Vicky López has the honour of being the first winner. Barça carry on their success in the Kopa Trophy with players from the men's team taking four of the seven awards given out since its inception.
On the stage of the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the young Barça player said “I dedicate this award to my mother, who is protecting me from heaven.” She also thanked Barça: “They have supported me and allowed me to compete for the best team in the world at just 16 years old.”
Finally, she highlighted the role of the pioneers of women’s football: “Thanks to them I am able to be receiving this award.”
From the youth team upwards
Vicky López joined Barça at just 16 years old in the summer of 2022 from Madrid CFF. Despite being registered with the reserve team, she made her debut with Barça's first team in the same 2022/23 season becoming the youngest player ever to do so in the professional era at the age of 16 years, 1 month and 19 days.
In the summer of 2024, it was officially announced that she would become a full member of Barça's first team. In the 2024/25 season Vicky López made 37 appearances, scoring nine goals to help the team to a domestic treble.
Champions League debut
Last season Vicky López become the third youngest goalscorer in the Champions League for Barça. In February 2024 she made her debut for the senior Spain side in the UEFA Nations League final victory over France and she was part of the team that made it to final of the European Championships. In 2024 she was named the Golden Girl as the best young player in Europe and now she has claimed the Kopa Trophy as the best U21 player in the world.