Désiré Doué didn’t bother with diplomacy when asked if he was better than Lamine Yamal. The Paris Saint-Germain forward didn’t hesitate: “That’s a great question, it’s me.” The comment came during a live stream on the social media channels of French influencer Booska Dimeh and instantly went viral. The comparison wasn’t random. Doué and Yamal are among the top young talents in European soccer and are head-to-head contenders for the Kopa Trophy, which will be awarded on September 22 during the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Doué’s self-confidence is backed by a memorable season. The 20-year-old Frenchman was a key figure in PSG’s Champions League run, which ended with a dominant 4-1 win over Inter Milan in the final. He scored twice, provided an assist, and was named UEFA’s man of the match. That performance cemented his place as a star in a team full of stars and boosted his international profile.
What’s at stake in the race with Yamal
On the other side is 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who also had an equally impressive year with Barcelona. The forward played 55 games across all competitions, scored 18 goals, and delivered 21 assists. He was pivotal in Barcelona’s La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup titles, quickly becoming one of the team’s most decisive players. Yamal’s numbers show remarkable consistency, something that carries a lot of weight when it comes to individual awards.
The battle between Doué and Yamal is shaping up to be fierce because the Kopa Trophy honors the best player in the world aged 21 or younger. Both are also strong names in the Ballon d’Or conversation, although that race is tilted toward more experienced players. Even so, the Kopa is seen as a glimpse into the future and has been previously won by players like Mbappé and Pedri, who later established themselves among the very best in the world.
The importance of the season for each player
There’s no denying Doué shined in the biggest moments. His performance in the Champions League final will go down as one of PSG’s great matches in recent history. He kept his cool, took on the responsibility, and delivered when it mattered most. Performances like that tend to stick with the journalists who vote on these awards.
Yamal, on the other hand, had a longer and more consistent year. He lifted major trophies with Barcelona and was a constant presence in almost every match of the season. His ability to create plays and deliver at such a young age is impressive. He’s already viewed as a technical leader in the Catalan squad and could arrive at the Ballon d’Or ceremony even stronger if he starts the new season well.
Another factor that could play a role is the weight of the competitions. The Champions League, because of its global reach, often carries more influence in voting. In that sense, Doué may have the upper hand.
As the award date approaches, PSG and Barcelona fans are taking to social media to celebrate their young stars. The rivalry between the French and the Spanish, already intense in soccer, has found a new chapter in this battle.
Doué’s comment may have sounded provocative, but it reflects the confidence of someone who knows he’s had an extraordinary season. He’s at the height of his visibility after the Champions League final and wants to make the most of it.
Regardless of the outcome, the contest between these two shows that European soccer is ushering in a new generation of talents ready to take center stage. Doué and Yamal embody that renewal and already carry the burden of being compared to established stars. Whoever wins the Kopa Trophy will also take on the responsibility of living up to the hype and continuing to develop.