Nagelsmann criticizes Kopa trophy decision: „Bellingham & Musiala have played better“

Barcelona youngster Gavi was awarded the Kopa Trophy last night, naming him the best U21 player in the world. The result has caused wide displeasure. Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann can’t quite understand the result either.

Gavi beat Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Bayern’s Jamal Musiala, who finished third, in the vote for „France Football“ Best young player. While Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham finished fourth. 

The head coach commented on the Kopa Trophy as follows: “In my opinion, Musiala and Bellingham played a better season than Gavi“. 

According to the 35-year-old, it was a race between Musiala and Bellingham: „It’s a neck-and-neck race for Jude and Jamal. You have to decide that individually.”

At the same time, Nagelsmann hinted that it was his personal opinion and that he was nevertheless happy for Gavi and that he was of course “an outstanding player”.

The editors of „France Football“ draw a list of ten players 20 years old in the respective calendar year. Only previous Ballon d’Or winners are entitled to vote. These give three players a score of 5, 3, or 1 point. The winner is the player with the most points. In the event of a tie, the player with the most votes for 1st place wins