Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are celebrating a major milestone after four of their players were nominated for the prestigious 2025 Kopa and Yashin Trophies, awards that recognise the best young footballers and goalkeepers in the world.
The nominations, announced by France Football as part of the Ballon d’Or awards, underline the club’s rising stature in both men’s and women’s football following a transformative 2024-25 season.
In the men’s Kopa Trophy category, 18-year-old Arsenal prodigy Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned a spot among the elite. The versatile left-back, who made his competitive debut against Manchester City in September 2024, quickly established himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.
READ MORE: Two Arsenal stars nominated for 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or
His standout moment came in March 2025, when he became the youngest player to score on his senior England debut during a 2-0 victory over Albania. Lewis-Skelly’s maturity, tactical intelligence, and composure have drawn comparisons to seasoned internationals. He joins a formidable list of nominees, including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Chelsea’s Estevao, and Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Image credit: Getty Images)
On the women’s side, 19-year-old England international Michelle Agyemang has been nominated for the inaugural Women’s Kopa Trophy, awarded to the top female player under 21. Agyemang spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring three goals in 17 Women’s Super League appearances.
Her star turn came during Euro 2025, where she scored crucial equalisers against Sweden and Italy in the knockout rounds, helping England retain their European crown. Agyemang was later named Young Player of the Tournament, further cementing her reputation as a rising star.
Michelle Agyemang
Michelle Agyemang (Image credit: Getty Images)
She is nominated alongside Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo, Chelsea’s Wieke Kaptein, Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez, and Club Olimpia’s Claudia Martinez Ovando.
Arsenal goalkeeping strength is also in the spotlight, with two nominations for the Yashin Trophy. In the men’s category, David Raya has been shortlisted following a consistent season between the sticks for Arsenal. The Spanish international played a key role in the club’s domestic and European campaigns and is up against top names including Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), and Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG).
David Raya
David Raya with the Premier League Golden Glove award ( Image credit: Getty Images)
In the women’s category, Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has been nominated after an outstanding debut season at Arsenal. Signed from Aston Villa in 2024, van Domselaar was instrumental in Arsenal’s Champions League success, keeping a clean sheet in the final against Barcelona to secure a historic 1-0 victory in May 2025.
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She recorded 14 clean sheets in 24 appearances, including 10 in the Women’s Super League, and earned a spot in the Champions League Team of the Tournament.
She faces stiff competition from Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, Brighton’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll.
Daphne van Domselaar
Daphne van Domselaar (Image credit: Getty Images)
The nominations cap off a spectacular season for Arsenal, especially the women’s team, who ended an 18-year wait for their second UEFA Women’s Champions League title. Seven players from the squad, including Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, Frida Maanum, Steph Catley, and Emily Fox, were nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
Manager Renee Slegers was also nominated for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for best coach, reflecting her influence on the team’s historic campaign.
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers
Arsenal Women manager Renee Slegers (Image credit: Getty Images)
On the men’s side, Arsenal’s growing European stature is underscored by the Ballon d’Or nominations of Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres, alongside Lewis-Skelly and Raya. The recognition highlights the Gunners’ commitment to nurturing youth and maintaining world-class standards across all departments.
The winners of the Kopa and Yashin Trophies will be announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on September 22, 2025. The Kopa Trophy will be decided by former Ballon d’Or winners, while the Yashin Trophy will be voted on by leading football journalists. Arsenal fans will be watching with pride and anticipation as the club’s rising stars vie for global recognition.
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