Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has been nominated for The Kopa Trophy at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Kopa Trophy recognises the best performing player worldwide under the age of 21. Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024/25, where he made 39 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.
The left-back was a key part of the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals and scored on his England debut in March.
Recognised for an outstanding breakout season 👏
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Kopa Trophy 🌟
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 7, 2025
Lewis-Skelly is joined on the shortlist by Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal. The Spaniard is the favourite for the prize and could become the first player to win the award twice, having claimed the honour in 2024.
Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are well represented with two nominees. Both Joao Neves and Desire Doue are up for selection for their roles in the club’s treble success. Doue scored twice as PSG thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in a record-breaking Champions League final win.
Elsewhere, former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is included. The Spanish centre-back joined Real Madrid this summer after an excellent season on the South Coast.
The winner of the award will be announced at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The ceremony will take place on 22 September 2025.
2025 Kopa Trophy nominees
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
- Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
- Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona
- Rodrigo Mora – FC Porto
- Dean Huijsen – Bournemouth/Real Madrid
- Estevao Willian – Palmeiras/Chelsea
- Ayyoub Bouaddi – Lille
- Joao Neves – Paris Saint-Germain
- Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain
- Kenan Yildiz – Juventus
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