Vicky López Dedicates Ballon d’Or Kopa Trophy to Nigerian Mother
FC Barcelona’s young star Vicky López has written her name into football history by winning the first-ever Women’s Kopa Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in Paris, dedicating the award to her Late mother who is of Nigerian origin.
The 18-year-old midfielder was honoured as the best U21 player in the world, becoming the first female footballer to receive the prize since it was introduced by France Football.
On stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet, López gave an emotional speech, saying: “I dedicate this award to my mother, who is protecting me from heaven.” She also thanked Barcelona, adding: “They have supported me and allowed me to compete for the best team in the world at just 16 years old.”
The teenager also praised the pioneers of women’s football: “Thanks to them I am able to be receiving this award.”
Vicky López Serrano Felix was born on 26 July 2006 in Vallecas, Madrid, to a Spanish father, Jesús López Serrano Pérez, and a Nigerian mother, Joy Felix. Her mother, who once ran a business before the 2008 financial crisis, died from a brain tumour in 2018 when López was only 11 years old. During her mother’s long stays in hospital, Madrid CFF’s president and players often helped take the young footballer to and from training, as her father struggled to manage alone.
Since then, López has honoured her mother’s memory by pointing to the sky whenever she scores. She often recalls her childhood playing football with her older brother, starting at the age of four, and joining organised girls’ teams where she competed against players much older than her.
López joined Barcelona in 2022 from Madrid CFF and made history in the same season as the youngest player to appear for the club in the professional era, at 16 years and 19 days. In 2024, she became a permanent member of the first team and last season made 37 appearances, scoring nine goals as Barça secured a domestic treble.
She also impressed in Europe, becoming the club’s third-youngest goalscorer in the Champions League. In February 2024, she made her debut for Spain in the UEFA Nations League final victory over France and later played in the European Championship final.
Already named Golden Girl in 2024 as the best young player in Europe, López has now added the Kopa Trophy to her growing list of achievements — dedicating it to the Nigerian mother who inspired her journey.
