Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala leads list of 2023 Kopa Trophy nominees
Jamal Musiala has been nominated for the 2023 Kopa Trophy. The Bayern Munich star will go up against the likes of ex-Borussia Dortmund man Jude Bellingham, RB Leipzig's Xavi and 2022 winner Gavi for the prize.
Forming part of the Ballon d'Or celebrations, the Kopa Trophy - named after former French player Raymond Kopa - is organised by publication France Football and is presented to the best player over the past year under the age of 21.
Musiala scored a dramatic winner on the final day of the 2022/23 season as Bayern claimed the title ahead of Borussia Dortmund on goal difference. The Germany international attacker had a direct hand in 22 Bundesliga goals over the campaign (12 of his own, plus 10 assists). Only Randal Kolo Muani produced more (26). The ex-Chelsea youngster also chipped in with three DFB Cup goals and two UEFA Champions League assists.
Watch: All Jamal Musiala's Bundesliga goals and assists in 2022/23
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Bellingham - a close friend and former England youth international teammate of Musiala - also had a season to remember. The 19-year-old, now of Real Madrid, won a Bundesliga-high 482 challenges, whilst contributing eight goals and four assists to BVB pushing Bayern all the way in the title race. The England international's efforts have already been recognised with the Bundesliga Player of the Season 2022/23 award.
Xavi, currently on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain, is another Bundesliga-based name on the 10-man shortlist. The Dutchman chipped in with an incredible 19 goals and nine assists as PSV Eindhoven finished second in the 2022/23 Eredivisie.
Watch: Bellingham and Musiala - a season of highs and lows
Musiala placed highest among Bundesliga players in the final 2022 Kopa rankings, in third, with Bellingham fourth. The Bayern ace is also in the running for the 2023 Golden Boy.
Kopa Trophy nominees in full:
- Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)
- Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/Real Madrid)
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
- Gavi (Barcelona)
- Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta/Manchester United)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
- Pedri (Barcelona)
- Xavi Simons (PSV Eindhoven/RB Leipzig)
- Antonio Silva (Benfica)
- Elye Wahi (Montpellier/Lens)
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