Victoria López Serrano Félix – better known as Vicky López – made history on Monday night at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, becoming the first recipient of the Women’s Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best young female footballer under the age of 21.
The 19-year-old FC Barcelona midfielder, born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Nigerian mother, has seen her achievement celebrated across both Spain and Nigeria, with many Nigerians proudly claiming her as one of their own due to her maternal heritage.
A Journey Marked by Tragedy and Triumph
López’s mother, Joy Felix, ran a small business in Madrid during her daughter’s early childhood but was forced to close it during Spain’s economic crisis in 2008. In 2018, when Vicky was just 11, Joy died of a brain tumour after a prolonged illness.
During this difficult period, López’s first club, Madrid CFF, rallied around her. The club president and teammates often helped with her transport to training while her father struggled to balance work and caregiving.
As a tribute to her late mother, López often celebrates goals by looking up and pointing to the sky, a gesture she says keeps her mother’s memory alive on the pitch.
Choosing Spain Over Nigeria
Eligible to play for both Spain and Nigeria, López initially kept the door open to represent the Super Falcons as a way to honour her Nigerian roots. However, her father later revealed that while the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had courted her for years, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) never made formal contact.
That chapter closed in 2024 when López made her senior debut for Spain at the UEFA Women’s Nations League Finals, officially cap-tying her to La Roja at just 17 years old.
Meteoric Rise in Football
From her early days at Madrid CFF, López’s talent was undeniable. In 2022, she signed for Barcelona, where she quickly became one of the youngest players ever to feature in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
At youth level, she was pivotal in Spain’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Her progression culminated in Monday’s award, where she became the first-ever winner of the Women’s Kopa Trophy, a new category introduced to recognise the best young female player globally.
A Role Model in Asisat Oshoala
Despite pledging her international future to Spain, López has spoken fondly of Asisat Oshoala, Nigerian international and former Barcelona striker, describing her as a major influence during her formative years.
The Future Ahead
With the Women’s Kopa Trophy in hand, López’s career trajectory continues to soar. And while her jersey may be red for Spain, her Nigerian roots remain an indelible part of her identity.