Golden Boy 2025: Ranked From 15 to 1

September 17, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The race for the 2025 Golden Boy award is heating up, with Europe's brightest young stars making their mark in domestic and continental competitions. From seasoned teenage sensations to breakout debutants, these players are reshaping the future of football — one game at a time. Here's a full breakdown of the current power rankings, counting down from No. 15 to the top favorite for the award.

15. Max Dowman – Arsenal

The youngest player on this list, 15-year-old Max Dowman has already made waves in the Premier League. After winning a penalty in his debut against Leeds, he’s quickly becoming one of football’s most exciting prospects — and could even make Champions League history if he appears this year.

14. Geovany Quenda – Sporting (Chelsea 2026)

Set to join Chelsea in 2026, Quenda is already in high demand, with Manchester United once eyeing him under former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. Known for his blistering pace and versatility, Quenda’s future looks bright even if Stamford Bridge poses new challenges.

13. Arda Guler – Real Madrid

Guler has yet to lock down a regular role at Madrid, but his talent is undeniable. A creative force with incredible ball-striking ability, he remains one of the most technically gifted players on this list, waiting for his breakthrough moment in a stacked squad.

12. Jorrel Hato – Chelsea

From Ajax's academy to Stamford Bridge, Hato has been on a steady rise. A reliable defender comfortable both centrally and on the left, he’s one of Europe’s most promising talents — though not quite among the frontrunners for this year’s award.

11. Estevao – Chelsea

Estêvão — NullReason, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chelsea's Brazilian wonderkid has already flashed his quality in pre-season under Enzo Maresca. Fast, skillful, and confident on the ball, Estevao’s consistency may take time, but his ceiling is undoubtedly sky-high.

10. Endrick – Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s high-profile Brazilian signing has yet to fully ignite in Europe, despite huge expectations. Still only 18, Endrick has time on his side, but 2025 might not be the year he claims the Golden Boy crown.

9. Eliesse Ben Seghir – Bayer Leverkusen

A Monaco product who now plies his trade in the Bundesliga, Ben Seghir made a big leap by joining Bayer Leverkusen. With a steady rise and a first Moroccan national team call-up, he’s one to watch as the season unfolds.

8. Tom Bischof – Bayern Munich

One of Germany’s brightest midfielders, Bischof impressed at Hoffenheim before sealing a move to Bayern Munich. Known for his maturity and consistency, he could boost his Golden Boy case significantly with regular minutes at the Allianz Arena.

7. Kenan Yildiz – Juventus

Yildiz has become a key player for both Juventus and the Turkish national team. After years of development in Germany, he’s blossoming into a dynamic forward under Igor Tudor’s leadership.

6. Warren Zaire-Emery – Paris Saint-Germain

Warren Zaïre-Emery — sbonsi / Shutterstock.com

Despite being just 19, Zaire-Emery has racked up over 100 senior games for PSG. A complete midfielder who’s now also a French international, he’s vital to PSG’s present and future — and a serious Golden Boy contender if his form holds.

5. Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal

Nwaneri continues to shine after making Premier League history at 15. Now fully integrated into Arsenal’s first team, he’s proven his worth in both domestic and European competitions, and looks set for even greater heights.

4. Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid

The composed centre-back impressed during a loan spell at Roma and has since taken strides under Andoni Iraola. With a recent move to Real Madrid, Huijsen is firmly in the spotlight and climbing the rankings fast.

3. Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona

Barcelona’s defensive prodigy has been a revelation since breaking into the first team. Calm, intelligent, and with a sublime passing range, Cubarsi could easily become one of the best defenders in the world — and soon.

2. Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal

Lewis-Skelly has exploded onto the scene in 2024/25, even scoring on his senior England debut. His dominant performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League further confirmed his Golden Boy credentials.

1. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain

Leading the pack is PSG’s Desire Doue, who’s thrived in a new-look Paris squad under Luis Enrique. With crucial Champions League contributions and standout performances, he’s the current favorite to claim the 2025 Golden Boy award.