Kopa Trophy 2019: Who Was The Winner?

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The Kopa Trophy is awarded to the best-performing player under the age of 21. In 2019, the Kopa Trophy was awarded to Matthijs de Ligt.

Matthijs de Ligt's Career

Matthijs de Ligt is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team. De Ligt is renowned for his strength, aerial ability, and tactical awareness, establishing himself as one of the top defenders in the world.

Ajax

De Ligt began his career with Ajax, making his professional debut in 2016. He quickly became a key player for the team, helping them reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2017. In 2018, he was appointed as the club's captain, becoming the youngest-ever captain of Ajax. During the 2018–19 season, De Ligt captained Ajax to a domestic double and the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, earning widespread recognition for his leadership and defensive skills.

Juventus

In July 2019, De Ligt signed for Juventus for a fee of €75 million. In his first season with the club, he won the Serie A title. He played for Juventus until 2022, when he moved to Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich

In July 2022, De Ligt signed for Bayern Munich for a reported fee of €67 million. He has quickly become an integral part of the Bayern defense, contributing to their success in the Bundesliga and other competitions.

International Career

De Ligt made his international debut for the Netherlands in 2017. He has since become a regular player for the national team, representing his country at the UEFA European Championship in 2020 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Honours and Achievements

Matthijs de Ligt has received numerous individual awards and honors throughout his career, including:

  • Kopa Trophy: 2019
  • Golden Boy: 2018
  • Dutch Footballer of the Year: 2019
  • UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2018–19

De Ligt's achievements reflect his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. As he continues his career with Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team, he is expected to add more accolades to his already impressive list.

Conclusion

Matthijs de Ligt's win of the Kopa Trophy in 2019 was a testament to his outstanding performances and potential. His career continues to flourish, solidifying his place among the elite defenders in football.