Who Are the Candidates for the Golden Boy Award This Season?
The Golden Boy Award, established by Tuttosport in 2003, recognizes the best under-21 footballer playing in Europe’s top leagues each year. Over time, it has grown into one of the most prestigious individual honors in the sport, acting as both a reward for breakthrough performances and a prediction of superstardom. Past winners include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham — players who have gone on to dominate the game. The 2025 edition promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with a deep pool of exceptional young talent making significant impacts across the continent.
Leading the charge is Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué, who has exploded into the European spotlight after a phenomenal season. His performance in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, where he scored twice and added an assist, instantly elevated him to frontrunner status. Doué’s numbers this season — 15 goals and 14 assists — are extraordinary for a player who only recently turned 19. His blend of explosive pace, dribbling flair, and decision-making under pressure has drawn comparisons to former PSG stars like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. More than just a highlight-reel player, Doué is a reliable attacking outlet who shows up in the biggest games, making him the name to beat in this year’s race.
Another strong contender is Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí, a 17-year-old central defender who has risen rapidly through the ranks at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. After breaking into the first team in early 2025, Cubarsí established himself as a mainstay in Xavi’s backline, helping Barcelona win a domestic treble including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa. What makes Cubarsí’s rise even more impressive is the level of composure and positional intelligence he displays at such a young age. According to analytics provider Football Benchmark, he is currently the top-rated Golden Boy-eligible player on their algorithm, behind only Lamine Yamal, who won the award last year and is therefore ineligible to repeat.
At Arsenal, two of England’s most promising prospects are making serious cases of their own. Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed with his versatility and composure, featuring both in midfield and defense under Mikel Arteta. With regular appearances in the Premier League and Champions League, he has shown maturity well beyond his years. His teammate Ethan Nwaneri, already a record-holder as the youngest Premier League debutant, has started to cement his place in the squad with a string of eye-catching attacking performances. With nine goals and two assists so far this season, Nwaneri has become a vital spark for the Gunners in key moments, and he remains one of the most naturally gifted attackers in this age group.
Real Madrid’s contribution to the Golden Boy conversation centers around Dean Huijsen, a towering center-back whose $67 million transfer from Bournemouth was one of the more surprising moves of the season. Since arriving, he has seamlessly adapted to La Liga and emerged as a dependable presence in Madrid’s defense. Combining physical strength with an ability to play out from the back, Huijsen has also earned senior international call-ups for Spain and is seen by many as a future cornerstone of both club and country. Alongside him in Madrid’s youth revolution are Endrick Felipe and Arda Güler — two immensely talented players whose minutes have been more limited, but who still carry the kind of star quality that can’t be ignored.
Warren Zaïre-Emery continues to build his reputation as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders under 21. Striving to be a regular starter for both PSG and the French national team, Zaïre-Emery brings balance and control to every match he plays. While Doué’s flashier moments have recently taken the spotlight in Paris, Zaïre-Emery’s consistency, leadership, and tactical discipline remain invaluable. If he can contribute a few key moments in the latter half of the year, his candidacy could quickly gain momentum again. Elsewhere in France, Eliesse Ben Seghir of Monaco has emerged as another exciting option. Capable of playing as a forward or advanced playmaker, his technical skill, close control, and intelligent movement have made him one of the most feared young attackers in Ligue 1.
Another standout performer in this year’s pool is Kenan Yıldız of Juventus. The Turkish international has earned his way into the starting lineup at one of Europe’s most defensively-minded clubs, showing that he can impact games through both goals and creative buildup. At just 19, he’s already playing with the poise of a veteran and has become a critical piece in Juventus’ long-term plans. In the Bundesliga, Tom Bischof of Hoffenheim has also made significant strides. A technically gifted midfielder with a calm presence on the ball, Bischof has started regularly in one of Europe’s most youth-focused leagues and has drawn attention for his smart positioning and consistent performances.
The current frontrunners for the 2025 Golden Boy Award appear to be Désiré Doué and Pau Cubarsí, who have each demonstrated elite-level quality while contributing to major team successes. Doué’s heroics in the Champions League final may give him the edge for now, but Cubarsí’s dominance as a teenage center-back in a treble-winning season is just as compelling. Close behind are Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, and Huijsen, who all have enough time left in the calendar year to mount serious campaigns of their own. While others like Endrick, Güler, Ben Seghir, and Bischof may not be leading the pack at the moment, they remain within reach if they deliver strong finishes to 2025. As always, the Golden Boy Award is not just a celebration of what has been done — it’s a glimpse into what lies ahead. With this year's nominees showcasing remarkable skill, maturity, and poise, the next generation of footballing superstars is not just on the horizon. They’re already here.
