Golden Boy 2025: Ranking Europe’s 25 Brightest Young Talents
As the Golden Boy award gears up for its 22nd edition, a fresh crop of Europe’s brightest under-21 stars are vying for the coveted crown. From breakout defenders to dazzling wingers, this year's list showcases the future of football—ranked from 25 to 1 based on current form, impact, and potential.
25. Victor Froholdt – Porto
After a breakout year at Copenhagen, Victor Froholdt secured a move to Porto where he continues to develop his skills. The Danish midfielder’s rise has been steady, and he's now making waves in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
24. Mamadou Sarr – Strasbourg
A commanding centre-back at Strasbourg, Mamadou Sarr has drawn attention for his physical presence and defensive composure. At just 20, he’s already showing leadership qualities rare at his age.
23. Aleksandar Stankovic – Club Brugge
Son of a legendary footballer, Aleksandar Stankovic has forged his own path as a versatile midfielder-defender. Playing for Club Brugge, he's combining discipline with technical skill in Belgium’s top flight.
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22. Francesco Pio Esposito – Inter Milan
Francesco Pio Esposito is one of Inter’s most promising forwards, regularly impressing at youth and senior levels. With sharp finishing and intelligent positioning, he could soon become a key figure in the Nerazzurri attack.
21. Jobe Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund
Following in his brother Jude’s footsteps, Jobe Bellingham is carving out a name of his own at Dortmund. Comfortable in midfield or up front, he’s grown in confidence and responsibility over the past year.
20. Senny Mayulu – Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain’s Senny Mayulu is a technical midfielder with real flair, now breaking through in a team filled with youth talent. His calmness on the ball makes him stand out in Ligue 1 appearances.
19. Giovanni Leoni – Liverpool
Young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni joined Liverpool and has already impressed with his positional awareness and tackling. As the Reds transition to a younger core, Leoni could play an important role in seasons to come.
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18. Archie Gray – Tottenham
Deployed in both midfield and defence, Archie Gray is thriving under new Spurs manager Thomas Frank. The 19-year-old’s tactical versatility has earned him valuable Premier League minutes early in the season.
17. Leny Yoro – Manchester United
Leny Yoro arrived at Old Trafford with big expectations, and the French centre-back is adapting quickly to life in the Premier League. United fans are excited by his potential to anchor the club’s defence for years to come.
16. Rodrigo Mora – Porto
Rodrigo Mora is one of the most exciting young midfielders in Portugal, regularly turning heads with his creativity. Just 18, he's already knocking on the door of Porto’s first team.
15. Nico O'Reilly – Manchester City
Manchester City’s Nico O'Reilly earned Pep Guardiola’s trust last season, impressing in both midfield and at left-back. His development was rewarded with a senior England call-up—proof of his growing reputation.
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14. Lucas Bergvall – Tottenham Hotspur
The Swedish midfielder has quickly adapted to life in North London, where Lucas Bergvall is thriving under a new manager. He recently signed a fresh contract and is integral to Spurs’ midfield rotation.
13. Geovany Quenda – Sporting
Geovany Quenda is set to join Chelsea in 2026 after a standout run at Sporting. Known for his pace and dribbling, the winger has drawn comparisons to past Brazilian greats—though he’ll need consistency to flourish in the Premier League.
12. Jorrel Hato – Chelsea
After emerging from Ajax’s famed academy, Jorrel Hato joined Chelsea and brings flexibility as a left-back or centre-half. He’s been likened to past Dutch greats and has big potential if given regular minutes.
11. Arda Guler – Real Madrid
Arda Guler’s technical prowess is no secret, but his opportunities at Real Madrid have been limited. Still, when he plays, his vision and shot-making ability make him a fan favourite in waiting.
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10. Eliesse Ben Seghir – Bayer Leverkusen
Formerly of Monaco, Eliesse Ben Seghir moved to Leverkusen after rising to prominence in Ligue 1. Now a Moroccan international, he’s following in the footsteps of Mbappe and Henry as Monaco’s latest attacking export.
9. Estevao – Chelsea
The latest Brazilian sensation at Stamford Bridge, Estevao is already dazzling fans in pre-season with speed and flair. Still a teenager, he’s pushing for more minutes under Enzo Maresca this season.
8. Franco Mastantuono – Real Madrid
Still just 18, Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono joined Real Madrid after a stunning start at River Plate. He’s already training with the senior squad, and many believe he could be a long-term star in Madrid.
7. Warren Zaire-Emery – Paris Saint-Germain
Zaire-Emery has over 100 senior appearances for PSG despite only turning 19 this year. Now a full French international, he’s a midfield general who could lead PSG’s next great era after their 2024/25 Champions League win.
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6. Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal
Arsenal’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant, Ethan Nwaneri broke into the first team last season and made an instant impact. His Champions League goal against PSV confirmed he’s not just a wonderkid, but a future star.
5. Kenan Yildiz – Juventus
A rising Turkish star at Juventus, Kenan Yildiz is already a regular for both club and country. With strong performances in Serie A and Europe, he’s pushing for a breakthrough season in 2025/26.
4. Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Few teenagers impressed more than Myles Lewis-Skelly last season. The Hale End product shone at left-back and even scored on his senior England debut, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Champions League run.
3. Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid
After a loan spell at Roma and a standout season with Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen made the leap to Real Madrid. A ball-playing centre-back with composure and flair, he’s now competing at the highest level.
2. Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona
Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi has quickly become one of the world’s most exciting young defenders. Composed on the ball and elite in his distribution, he’s already anchoring Barca’s back line with maturity beyond his years.
1. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain
Topping the Golden Boy 2025 rankings is Desire Doue, who played a vital role in PSG’s Champions League-winning campaign. Though not always a starter, his performances when called upon have made him one of the most impactful young players in Europe.
