The 2025 Golden Boy Race: Ranking The Top 20 Contenders

Every year, the Golden Boy award recognizes the best young footballer under the age of 21, celebrating those who have made a significant impact in top-tier competitions. As we enter 2025, the competition is fiercer than ever, with a new generation of prodigious talents emerging across Europe. From electrifying forwards to dominant midfielders and rock-solid defenders, this year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

With young stars already making waves in their respective leagues, the battle for the Golden Boy title is heating up. Some candidates have been on the radar for years, while others are rising at an astonishing pace. In this ranking, we analyze the top 20 contenders, considering their performances, potential, and overall impact on their teams as they push for one of football’s most prestigious individual accolades.

10. Endrick ( Real Madrid/Brazil)

 

position: Striker

• Age : 18

• 2024/25 stats 

6 Goals in 26 appearances few minutes played 

Endrick, the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation, continues to justify the hype surrounding him as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. Since securing his move to Real Madrid, the former Palmeiras forward has shown flashes of brilliance with his technical ability, pace, and finishing.

His performances for both club and country have earned him a place among the top contenders for the 2025 Golden Boy award. Despite his young age, Endrick has already demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer, scoring crucial goals and adapting quickly to the European style of play.

9. Jorrel Hato (Ajax, Netherlands)

 

• Position: Left-back

• Age: 18

• 2024/25 Stats (Eredivisie only)

3 goals, 6 Assists , Tackles won: 32, Tackles won %: 65.3%, Duels won: 104, Duels won %: 54.7%, Aerial duels won: 39, Aerial duels won %: 61.9%, Interceptions: 16, Blocked: 3, Fouls committed: 20, Recoveries: 93, Possession won final 3rd: 7, Dribbled past: 9.

A product of Ajax’s famous youth academy, Jorrel Hato has cemented his place in the first team, showcasing exceptional composure for a defender his age. Whether deployed at centre-back or left-back, his tactical awareness and ability to play out from the back make him a crucial figure in Ajax’s rebuild.

Though linked with Liverpool, Hato is still fine-tuning his defensive game. While he is one of the most promising defenders in Europe, the Golden Boy award traditionally favors attacking players, making his chances slim unless Ajax can make significant strides in Europe.

8. Tom Bischof (Hoffenheim, Germany)

 

• Position: Central Midfielder

• Age: 19

• 2024/25 Stats (Bundesliga only ):

34 appearances, 5 goals, 3 assists, 87% pass accuracy

A product of Hoffenheim’s youth system, Tom Bischof has emerged as one of the most promising midfielders in Germany. His vision, passing range, and ability to dictate play from midfield have earned him comparisons to Toni Kroos.

In January 2025, Bayern Munich confirmed his signing on a free transfer, further cementing his reputation as a future star. If he shines in the Bundesliga next season, he could easily break into the top 3 in future Golden Boy races.

7. Kenan Yıldız (Juventus, Turkey)

• Position: Left winger  

• Age: 19

• 2024/25 Stats

(Serie A & European Competitions): 41 appearances, 6 goals, 4 assists

Since joining Juventus from Bayern Munich’s academy, Kenan Yıldız has developed into a key player under Thiago Motta. His dribbling, creativity, and composure in front of goal have made him a regular for the Turkish national team, and one of Juve’s most exciting young talents.

Yıldız’s versatility allows him to play across the front line, but Juve’s lack of Champions League football this season may hurt his chances in the Golden Boy race. A move to a bigger European stage in the near future could elevate his profile even further.

6. Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco, France/Morocco)

• Position: Left winger 

• Age: 19

• 2024/25 Stats (All Competitions):

39 appearances, 9 goals, 4 assists

Since making his Ligue 1 debut in 2022, Ben Seghir has steadily grown into a key player for Monaco. The Moroccan international, known for his close control and quick feet, has contributed significantly to Monaco’s push for Champions League qualification this season.

His ability to operate between the lines, take on defenders, and create goal-scoring opportunities makes him a strong contender for the Golden Boy award. However, with fierce competition, he will need to deliver standout performances on bigger stages to boost his case.

5. Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth, Spain/Netherlands)

• Position: Centre-back

• Age: 19

• 2024/25 Stats ( premier league only)

Tackles won: 20, Tackles won %: 71.4%, Duels won: 85, Duels won %: 56.3%, Aerial duels won: 48, Aerial duels won %: 59.3%, Interceptions: 42, Blocked: 5, Fouls committed: 22, Recoveries: 80, Possession won final 3rd: 3.

After joining Juventus in 2021, Dean Huijsen impressed during his loan spell at Roma before moving permanently to Bournemouth in a €13 million deal. Under Andoni Iraola, Huijsen has developed into one of the most talked-about young defenders in the Premier League.

His ball-playing ability, aerial dominance, and defensive awareness make him an elite prospect. With rumors of a €50 million release clause, a move to a bigger club in 2025/26 could push him closer to future Golden Boy glory.

4. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal, England)

• Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger

• Age: 17

• 2024/25  

29 appearances, 8 goals, 1 assists

A Hale End product, Ethan Nwaneri made headlines in 2022 when he became the youngest-ever Premier League debutant (15 years, 181 days). Since then, Mikel Arteta has carefully integrated him into the first team, and he has repaid the faith with mature performances.

Nwaneri’s biggest moment came in the Champions League, where he became the second-youngest English scorer in the competition’s history. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts, his stock could continue to rise in the Golden Boy race.

3. Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

• Position: Central Midfielder

• Age: 19

• 2024/25 Stats 

35 appearances, 3 goals, 1 assists, 92% pass accuracy and 12 chances created in ligue 1

One of the most complete midfielders of his generation, Warren Zaïre-Emery has already played over 100 senior games for PSG. His ability to dictate play, break lines, and even contribute defensively makes him a crucial part of Luis Enrique’s plans.

Now a France international, Zaïre-Emery’s leadership and consistency at such a young age make him one of the favorites for the 2025 Golden Boy award. If PSG go deep in the Champions League, he could secure the top spot.

2. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

• Position: Right Winger

• Age: 19

• 2024/25 Stats

39 appearances, 7 goals, 11 assists

As PSG enter a new era, Désiré Doué has been one of the standout players in Luis Enrique’s squad. Signed from Stade Rennais, Doué has seamlessly adapted to the Parisian midfield, showing intelligence and technical ability beyond his years.

His performances in Champions League knockout rounds have been particularly impressive, making him one of the strongest challengers for this year’s Golden Boy title.

1. Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, Spain)

• Position: Centre-back

• Age: 17

La Liga 2024/25 Stats:

— 7.02average rating

— 93% pass accuracy

— 2.8 ball recovered per game

— 2.5 clearances per game

— 65% aerial duels won

Few defenders in recent history have made an immediate impact like Pau Cubarsí. Breaking into Barcelona’s first team under Hansi Flick, the young Catalan plays with composure, confidence, and passing ability that rivals senior professionals.

Cubarsí’s performances in the Champions League have cemented his status as the best young defender in Europe. If he maintains this level, he will be the first defender since Matthijs de Ligt (2018) to win the Golden Boy award.