Sport
Football Legends Reveal Their Top Young Stars for 2024 Kopa Trophy
The votes cast by legendary footballers Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema for the prestigious 2024 Kopa Trophy have finally been disclosed, revealing their thoughts on some of the sport’s rising stars.
Recently, Barcelona’s promising youngster, Lamine Yamal, took home the Kopa Trophy, a highly coveted award given to the best young player worldwide.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held in Paris, witnessed Yamal’s victory as he outshone Real Madrid’s emerging star Arda Güler.
This recognition has once again reflected the intense competition and rising talent within European football.
The Kopa Trophy, named after French football legend Raymond Kopa, is awarded by France Football, the same organization that handles the Ballon d’Or.
It aims to spotlight young players under 1, focusing on their impact and potential in the game.
As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, Lionel Messi’s vote reflected his admiration for young Barcelona talents, placing Yamal as his top choice.
His ranking was as follows: Lamine Yamal in first, Pau Cubarsi—another Barcelona talent—in second, and Manchester United’s energetic winger Alejandro Garnacho in third.
Similarly, Luka Modric, a key player for Real Madrid and a legend in midfield, cast his vote with Yamal at the top.
His votes placed Güler, the young Real Madrid sensation, second, with Benfica’s João Neves as his third pick.
Karim Benzema, another footballing giant and former Real Madrid star, also placed Yamal first in his vote, followed by Güler and then Garnacho.
Ronaldo Nazario, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and Brazilian legend, showed his unique perspective by casting his top vote for Atlético Mineiro’s emerging Brazilian talent, Savinho.
He placed Yamal in second and Güler in third.
Ronaldo’s vote reflects his Brazilian pride and his belief in Savinho’s potential to become the next big name from Brazil, alongside his appreciation for the talent emerging in Europe.
Sport
‘He Brings a Different Quality’ — Frank Lampard Praises Onyeka
Coventry City manager, Frank Lampard, speaks on team player and states how the player’s stance will help the team get into the Premier League.
The player is revealed to be Onyeka who he spoke about in the recent interview.
“He brings a different quality and probably a different profile to the midfield players we have.
“As I say, the profile is slightly different and I think that helps us in terms of the options and the competition in the middle of the park for us.”
Sport
Arteta Confirms Saka’s Recovery, Gives Update on Martin and Jurrien
Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, after their last match, shares an update on the injured team members after their last match.
He shared an update on Saka and stated that he is doing better after going through a hip injury. “His hip is improving a lot. Hopefully, he’ll be ready soon.”
He added about the other team members: “Martin is getting better and will be back in a few days, and Jurrien is fit for the weekend.”
Sport
“We’re Still Waiting” — Alex Iwobi Opens Up on Nigeria’s World Cup Chances
Super Eagles footballer, Alex Iwobi, speaks on the World Cup and reveals their hope to play in the 2026 World Cup.
He shared that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hopeful about hearing from them after they submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment. But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been.”
