By Prosper Mene
Spain and Barcelona Femeni star Vicky Lopez has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late Nigerian mother after winning the Ballon d’Or for Young Talent of the Year for the second year in a row.
The 20-year-old, who has consistently honoured her Nigerian heritage by sporting the Nigerian flag on her football boots, dedicated the award to her mother, Joy Felix, who died from a brain tumour when Vicky was just 11 years old.
In an emotional speech, Lopez said:
“Mom, even though you can’t be physically by my side, I feel your presence every day. Everything I’ve accomplished, I owe to you, so thank you for teaching me never to give up.”
Lopez enjoyed a stellar year under review for a dominant Barcelona side that was named Women’s Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. She scored 17 goals, provided 12 assists, and was named Player of the Match six times.
Her back-to-back Young Talent award cements her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s football — a journey she says was inspired by her late mother.
