By Akinwale Kasali
For Vicky Lopez, Barcelona and Spain Superstar, the 2026 Ballon d’Or Young Female Footballer of the Year, her success and triumph couldn’t have been possible, if not for her dedication and promise she made to her late Mum, who passed on when she was 11 Years of age.
Her Mother, Joy Felix, Nigerian, left a vacuum in the life of Vicky, which the young female footballer says she continues to feel her presence despite her absence.
On winning the coveted award, the Footballer dedicated the award to her late Mum saying,
“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,” Vicky said.
She thanked those who had supported her football career and called for continued efforts to improve the game.
She was born to a Nigerian Mother and a Spanish Father in 2006 in Vallecas, a working-class neighbourhood in Madrid, Spain.
Her football journey began at the age of four when she played in the streets with her older brother, Jesus.
The influence of her Brother shaped her dribbling skills, speed and agility that have become key features of her game.
According to
Spanish football journalist, Irati Vidal, while speaking with BBC Sport, López’s playing style reflected her street-football background, adding that she grew up admiring Brazilian forward Neymar and trying to imitate his dribbling skills.
The latest honour follows an outstanding 2025-26 season in which Barcelona won four major trophies: Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The award was López’s second consecutive Women’s Young Player of the Year title, following her success in the inaugural edition in 2025.
Beyond her achievements at club level, the Barcelona star is targeting a place in Spain’s squad for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
She described representing Spain as a dream shared by many young female footballers and said winning the World Cup would rank among the greatest achievements of her career.
Vicky’s ambition is also driven by the desire to make her late mother proud.
“For me, my mother is everything. A goal I have in life is to make her proud,” she said.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
