Barcelona star dedicates Ballon d’Or award to late Nigerian mom

Barcelona forward Vicky López 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 on Monday.

The 20-year-old dedicated the award to her mother, who died when she was 11 years old. Joy Felix, an Igbo, was a businesswoman who died of brain tumour in 2018.

The forward has always featured Spanish and Nigerian flags in her boots as a form of respect to her maternal roots.  

She said she still felt her mother’s presence despite losing her at a young age.

“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 everyone who had supported her football career and called for continued efforts to improve the sport.

López was born in 2006 in Vallecas, a working-class neighbourhood in Madrid, Spain.

Her interest in football started when she was just four years old. She often played football on the streets with her older brother, Jesus.

López’s latest award follows an impressive 2025/2026 season with Barcelona. The club won four major trophies, including Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The award is her second consecutive Women’s Young Player of the Year honour. She also won the inaugural edition in 2025.