Ballon d’Or: Barcelona star honours late Nigerian mother after winning Young talent award

Barcelona and Spain forward Vicky López has paid an emotional tribute to her late Nigerian mother, Joy Felix, after winning the Women’s Young Player of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder dedicated the honour to her mother, who died when she was 11, saying she continued to feel her presence despite her absence.

“Mum, although you can’t be with me physically, I feel your presence every day. Everything I’ve achieved I owe to you, so thank you for teaching me never to give up,” López said. “Thank you to everyone in football and let’s keep making this sport better.” The Barcelona star, whose father is Spanish and mother Nigerian, was born in 2006 in Vallecas, a working-class neighbourhood in Madrid.

Her journey in football began at an early age, playing in the streets with her older brother, Jesus, when she was just four. Spanish football journalist Irati Vidal told BBC Sport that López’s style was heavily influenced by street football, where she developed the flair, agility and speed that have become part of her game. “Vicky learned her craft on the streets of Vallecas, her style is very street-influenced,” Vidal said.

“She used to play for fun while admiring and trying to copy Neymar’s dribbles.” López’s latest recognition follows an impressive 2025-26 campaign in which Barcelona won Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The award was her second consecutive Women’s Young Player of the Year honour, having also won the inaugural edition in 2025.

Beyond her club achievements, López has set her sights on representing Spain at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. “I think wearing the Spain shirt is a dream that all girls who play football have,” she told Antena 3 Deportes. “For me, winning a World Cup with Spain would be one of the greatest achievements.” Her ambition is also tied to the memory of her mother, whom she has described as a major source of motivation.

“For me, my mother is everything. A goal I have in life is to make her proud.”