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Mainoo Yamal Garnacho GFXGetty/GOAL
Harry Sherlock

Kopa Trophy 2024: Lamine Yamal, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho lead nominees for Ballon d'Or's best young player award

L. Yamal
K. Mainoo
A. Garnacho
European Championship
LaLiga
Champions League
Ligue 1
Premier League
Serie A
Bundesliga

Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Pedri have previously won the prize, but who will pick it up this year at the ceremony in Paris on October 28?

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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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It's not just the men's and women's Golden Balls that will be handed out the Ballon d'Or ceremony, as a swathe of new prizes have been added to the roster by co-organisersFrance Footballand UEFA in recent times. One of those is the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best player under the age of 21 from the previous season.

The 2023-24 campaign saw a number of youngsters thrive at the highest level, with some of the defining moments of the year provided by players who are only just making their way in the game.

Previous winners of the Kopa Trophy include Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Pedri and Gavi, and with the award voted for by previous Ballon d'Or winners, it is regarded as one the biggest any young player can win.

We will have to wait until the ceremony in Paris on Monday, October 28 to find out who will walk away with the 2024 prize. But for now, here is the shortlist of nominees:

  • CubarsiGetty Images

    Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)

    Cubarsi has developed into one of Barcelona's most important defenders. He is just 17, but already has 28 first-team appearances under his belt, as well as six caps for Spain. He is tied to Barca until 2027 and one has to think they will hope to extend that.

  • Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Manchester United FC - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

    United's next great hope, Argentina international Garnacho already has six caps, and he is just 20. In 2023-24, he developed into a key player under Erik ten Hag, scoring 10 goals in all competitions - including in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City - and becoming the club's undisputed first-choice right-winger.

  • Arda Güler Euro 2024getty

    Arda Guler (Real Madrid)

    Guler lit up Euro 2024 with Turkey as they embarked on an unlikely run to the quarter-finals. One goal and two assists in the tournament followed an injury-hit season in which he scored six La Liga goals for Real Madrid in just 10 games. A dazzling technician, Guler has marked himself out as a playmaker to watch.

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  • Karim Konate of Ivory Coast during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026 match between Ivory Coast and SeychellesBackpagePix

    Karim Konate (Red Bull Salzburg)

    Konate is fast becoming one of the most impressive strikers in Europe, and one has to think it is only a matter of time before he gets a big move. He scored 20 goals last season and also registered eight assists for Salzburg. Still 20, he is also an Ivory Coast regular and was part of their triumphant Africa Cup of Nations squad in 2024.

  • Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United 2023-24Getty

    Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

    Mainoo has developed into one of United's best midfielders and was also integral to England's run to the Euro 2024 final, where he was perhaps unlucky to only walk away with a silver medal. He did win the FA Cup, though, and scored in the final against Manchester City.

  • Joao Neves Portugal 2024Getty

    Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)

    Neves emerged as one of the best deep-lying playmakers in Europe during his time at Benfica, so it is little surprise he is now on the books of PSG. Last season, he was almost ever-present for the Portuguese club and played his way into his country's Euro 2024 squad, where he appeared twice.

  • Savinho Manchester City 2024-25Getty Images

    Savinho (Manchester City)

    Now at City, Savinho lit up La Liga while on loan with Girona last season. Nine goals and 10 assists convinced City to bring him in from sister club Troyes, and catapulted him into the Brazil XI. He now has seven caps for his country.

  • MATHYS TEL BAYERN MÜNCHEN Getty Images

    Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich)

    Not one to be overshadowed, Tel has remained something of a secret weapon for Bayern, perfectly complimenting the signing of Harry Kane. The 19-year-old contributed 16 goal involvements in 2023-24, and shows no sign of slowing down.

  • FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA SportsGetty Images Sport

    Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

    What more is there to say about Yamal? The Barcelona prodigy is only 17 but he played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, after contributing to 16 goals for his club throughout the season. That he was able to score a wonder-goal against France in the Euros semi-final and provide four assists throughout the tournament surely sets him apart as the favourite for the Kopa Trophy.

  • Zaire-EmeryGetty Images

    Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

    Zaire-Emery may have made his debut three seasons ago, but he is still a teenager, and is now rapidly developing into a key player at PSG. Last season, he clocked 43 appearances and was included in France's Euro 2024 squad, although he did not play.