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. Leny Yoro (Manchester United)
• Position: Centre-back
• Age: 19
Leny Yoro joined Manchester United from Lille in 2024 in a high-profile move, turning down Real Madrid in the process. Although his debut season was disrupted by a foot injury and some inconsistency, he still showed flashes of the immense talent that made him so highly sought after. When fully fit, Yoro is already regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world. With his composure, athleticism, and reading of the game, he looks set for a massive career at the very top level.
9. Kenan Yıldız (Juventus, Turkey)
• Position: Left-winger
• Age: 19
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.
8. Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco)
• Position: Left-winger
• Age: 19
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.
7. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
• Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
• Age: 17
• 2024/25
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.
6. Arda Guler (Real Madrid)
• Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
• Age: 20
Arda Güler’s time at Real Madrid has been a mix of promise and patience. After joining in 2023, limited minutes under Carlo Ancelotti slowed his start. Despite talk of a potential loan, the club sees him as a key part of their future and has labelled him “untouchable.” As the 2024/25 season progressed, Güler began to show flashes of his talent, and with Ancelotti set to depart, the door could open for the young Turk to take on a bigger role next season.
5. Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
• Position: Centre-back
• Age: 19
After joining Juventus in 2021, Dean Huijsen impressed during his loan spell at Roma before making a permanent move 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 Real Madrid meeting his €50 million release clause, a move to a bigger club in 2025/26 could bring him even closer to winning the Golden Boy award.
4. Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Age: 19
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.
3. Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
• Position: Left-back
• Age: 19
One of the revelations of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Myles Lewis-Skelly has made the left-back spot his own at Arsenal. Thrust into the role following an injury to Riccardo Calafiori, the young England international has risen to the occasion with maturity well beyond his years.
Though naturally a midfielder, Lewis-Skelly has seamlessly adapted to the defensive role, bringing with him the composure and intelligence of his usual position. His impact has been nothing short of exceptional for a player still in his teens — and if Calafiori’s fitness issues persist, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lewis-Skelly make that role permanently his.
2. Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
• Position: Centre-back
• Age: 17
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 overall this have improved his status as the best young defender in Europe. If he maintains this level, he might be the first defender since Matthijs de Ligt (2018) to win the Golden Boy award.
1. Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Position: Winger / Attacking midfielder
• Age: 19
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 performance in the Champions League final was particularly impressive, with three goal contributions, making him the first player in history to achieve that in a final. It firmly places him among the strongest contenders for this year’s Golden Boy award.
