Barcelona midfielder Vicky López dedicated her historic Ballon d’Or Kopa Trophy win to her late Nigerian mother.
The 18-year-old became the first-ever female recipient of the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best U21 footballer in the world, at the Théâtre du Châtelet on Monday night.
Fighting back tears, López said:
“I dedicate this award to my mother, who is protecting me from heaven. Barcelona have supported me and allowed me to compete for the best team in the world at just 16 years old.”
Her mother, Joy Felix, died from a brain tumour in 2018 when López was just 11. Since then, the midfielder has honoured her memory by pointing to the sky whenever she scores.
Born in Madrid to a Spanish father and Nigerian mother, López’s rise has been rapid. She joined Barcelona from Madrid CFF in 2022, making history that same year as the youngest player to feature for the club in the professional era.
Last season, she played a key role in Barça’s treble-winning campaign, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances, and became the club’s third-youngest Champions League goalscorer.
Internationally, she made her debut for Spain in 2024, winning the UEFA Nations League final against France before featuring in the European Championship final.
She already won Europe’s Golden Girl in 2024. López has now added the inaugural Women’s Kopa Trophy to her list of accolades, sealing her place as one of football’s brightest young stars.
