The women’s team of FC Barcelona has the opportunity to add another chapter to their already impressive record. Vicky López, a young star, was named the world’s top U21 player and received the first Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or honours held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Vicky López is honoured to be the first winner of the Women’s Football prize, which is being given out for the first time by France Football. Players from the men’s team have won four of the seven Kopa Trophy trophies since its creation, continuing Barça’s record in the competition.
The young Barça player remarked, “I dedicate this award to my mother, who is protecting me from heaven,” while performing on the stage of the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. “They have supported me and allowed me to compete for the best team in the world at just 16 years old,” she said in her gratitude to Barça.
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
In the summer of 2022, Vicky López, then 16 years old, moved from Madrid CFF to Barça. She made her debut with Barça’s first squad in the 2022–2023 season, making history as the youngest player to do so in the professional era at the age of 16 years, 1 month, and 19 days, even though she was registered with the reserve team.
It was formally revealed in the summer of 2024 that she will join Barça’s first team as a full member. Vicky Lopez made 37 appearances and scored nine goals in the 2024–2025 season, helping the squad win a domestic treble.
Champions League debut
Vicky Lopez became the third-youngest goal scorer for Barça in the Champions League last season. She made her debut for the senior Spanish team in February 2024, helping them defeat France in the UEFA Nations League final. She also played for the team that advanced to the European Championship final. She won the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top U21 player after being crowned the Golden Girl in 2024 as the finest young player in Europe.
