Arsenal youngsters Michelle Agyemang and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been nominated for the prestigious Kopa Trophy, awarded by France Football to the world’s best U21 player.
The award is named after the late French international Raymond Kopa, who won the 1958 Ballon d’Or. It can be won by any player from the six FIFA confederations, unlike the Golden Boy, which is restricted to just European-based players.
Lewis-Skelly enjoyed his breakthrough season for the Arsenal men’s team, debuting in September 2024 against Manchester City. He made 15 starts in the Premier League last season and netted his only goal against the Cityzens in February.
The 18-year-old has also been recognised internationally, debuting for England in the 2026 World Cup qualifying game against Albania in March and scoring in that fixture.
He faces competition from Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen, Paris Saint-Germain duo Desire Doue and Joao Neves, and Chelsea’s new signing Estevao.
Barcelona youngsters Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, Porto’s Rodrigo Mora, and Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz are the other nominees.
Agyemang spent last season on loan with Brighton & Hove Albion, where she scored three goals in 17 appearances in the Women’s Super League, helping her break into the Lionesses’ squad.
She played a crucial role in helping England retain their Women’s European title, scoring vital goals in the quarters and semis against Sweden and Italy, earning her Young Player of the Tournament award.
She faces competition from Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo, Chelsea midfielder Wieke Kaptein, Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez, and Club Olimpia forward Claudia Martinez Ovando.
Meanwhile, women’s goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is also in the running for the Yachine Trophy after helping Arsenal win the Champions League and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
She was nominated alongside Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, Brighton’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ann-Katrin Berger, and Cata Coll.
The Kopa Trophy winner is decided by former Ballon d’Or winners, while the Yashin Trophy winner is decided by football journalists. The latest recipients will be announced at a Gala event in Paris in September.