Barcelona’s Vicky López dedicates Ballon d’Or award to late Nigerian mum

Barcelona and Spain midfielder 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.

The 20-year-old dedicated the award 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.

She also thanked those who had supported her football career and called for continued efforts to improve the game.

López, whose father is Spanish and mother Nigerian, was born in 2006 in Vallecas, a working-class neighbourhood in Madrid. She began playing football at the age of four, often playing in the streets with her older brother, Jesus.

Spanish football journalist Irati Vidal told BBC Sport that López’s playing style reflected her street-football background. She added that the midfielder grew up admiring Brazilian forward Neymar and trying to imitate his dribbling skills.

The award followed 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. It was López’s second consecutive Women’s Young Player of the Year title, following her victory in the award’s inaugural edition in 2025.

Beyond her club achievements, López is targeting a place in Spain’s squad for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. She has described representing Spain as a dream shared by many young female footballers and said winning the World Cup would be one of the greatest achievements of her career.