The nominations for the 2025 Kopa Trophy have been announced and as always, the shortlist contains some of world football's most gifted players under the age of 21.
Among the nominees for this year's award is 18-year-old Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, who only made his senior debut for The Gunners 11 months ago.
Since being handed his first appearance by Mikel Arteta, the English prospect has not looked back and is a key member of Arsenal's starting line-up.
Lewis-Skelly scored his first goal in an Arsenal shirt during a 5-1 demolition of Manchester City in the Premier League earlier this year.
His strong performances domestically in the 2024/25 campaign earned him a PFA Young Player of the Year award nomination.
Also, the defender was impressive in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid last season, showing maturity way beyond his years over the two legs.
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Lewis-Skelly's dream breakthrough season included scoring on his England debut against Albania in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in March. This made him the youngest player to score on his first appearance for the men's England side.
The teenager has demonstrated he can be more than just a traditional full-back in his short senior career, as his all-round footballing ability means he is trusted by Arteta to drift into midfield areas during games for The Gunners.
The left-back is expected to be a key player for Arsenal this coming season and will look to cement himself in Thomas Tuchel's England plans for the World Cup next summer.
Who is Lewis-Skelly up against for the Kopa Trophy?
Lewis-Skelly is one of 10 strong nominees for the 2025 Kopa Trophy, with competition involving last year's recipient of the award, Lamine Yamal.
The Barcelona and Spain forward took his talents to a whole new level last season and is regarded by many football fans as the sport's next superstar.
Nominations also include Desire Doue, Willian Estevao, Dean Huijsen, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Pau Cubarsi, Rodrigo Mora, Joao Neves and Kenan Yildiz.
Doue and Neves both have a strong case for winning the award after playing a key role in Paris Saint Germain's maiden Champions League triumph last season.
Doue netted twice in his side's 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the final.
The winner of the 2025 Kopa Trophy will be announced at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris next month.
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