Kylian Mbappe, Pedri and Gavi have previously won the prize, but who will pick it up this year at the ceremony in Paris on October 30?
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 organisers France Football. One of those is the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best player under the age of 21 in the previous season.
The 2022-23 campaign saw a number of youngsters thrive at the highest level, with some of the defining moments of the campaign provided by players who are only just making their way in the game.
Previous winners of the Kopa Trophy include Kylian Mbappe, 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.
Below are a list of players shorlisted for the award:
- Elye Wahi (Lens)
- Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United)
- Antonio Silva (Benfica)
- Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)
- Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)
- Pedri (Barcelona)
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munchen)
- Gavi (Barcelona)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)