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.
Ghanaian Referee, Daniel Laryea, who officiated the Nigeria vs Morocco game in AFCON gets interviews and shared his experience.
The referee reveals how it was his first time in a semi final and was kind of nervous. “I’ve been to three AFCON tournaments, but this is the first time I’ve been in a semi-final.”
“So when coaches choose you for that game, they know your skills and what you can do. But of course, you feel a little nervous because of the level of the match.”
Nigerian Footballer, Bright Osayi-Samuel , react to match as Super Eagles lose to Morocco.
The player calls out CAF for their referee appointment. He shares how the Ghanaian Referee was tough on the field and made bad choices.
“One thing I would say is that the referee was really bad. I’m not saying that was the reason we lost. He is making really bad choices and it’s really tough to watch because we have referees like this in big games like today.
He then praises Morocco for a good game “But Morocco did really well.”
Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle speaks and shared why Nigeria lost the AFCON match to Morocco.
It can be noted that the match was held on the 14th of January, 2026. Nigeria lost the match with a draft in the penalties, 4-2.
During a recent interview, Chelle shared his observations about the match and shared why they lost.
“From a technical point of view, the Super Eagles weren’t at the same level as we displayed in our other matches.”
“I don’t want to say the reason was fatigue, but the truth is that we lacked movement and power.”
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