The Golden Boy Award is an annual award given to the best player under the age of 21 who is playing in a top European league.
PSG midfielder Desire Doue won the award in 2025 after playing a key role in the club's UEFA Champions League success.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal had won the Golden Boy award in 2024 and he features amongst the contenders to win this year's Ballon d'Or.
2023 saw Jude Bellingham win the award following a stellar calendar year for both Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
Bellingham is one of three English players to win the award after Wayne Rooney in 2004 and Raheem Sterling in 2024.
Barcelona duo Pedri and Gavi complete the most recent five Golden Boy award winners, while there is also a place on the list for the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Last 10 winners of the Golden Boy award
- Renato Sanches
- Kylian Mbappe
- Matthijs de Ligt
- Joao Felix
- Erling Haaland
- Pedri
- Gavi
- Jude Bellingham
- Lamine Yamal
- Desire Doue
