Barcelona Star Vicky López Dedicates Ballon d’Or Young Player Award to Late Nigerian Mother

Barcelona and Spain forward Vicky López paid an emotional tribute to her late Nigerian mother, Joy Felix, after winning the 2026 Women’s Young Player of the Year award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The 20-year-old said she still feels her mother’s presence and credited her for teaching her never to give up. López was 11 when her mother died. Born in Madrid to a Spanish father and Nigerian mother, López began playing football on the streets as a child. She has now won the Women’s Young Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year after helping Barcelona to four trophies in the 2025/26 season.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.