The Golden Boy award continues to celebrate the brightest young stars in European football, highlighting those under the age of 21 who are making a serious impact. With the 2025 edition approaching, we take a closer look at the top 15 contenders — starting from the outside and counting down to the current favourite.
15. Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Kobbie Mainoo was once seen as Manchester United’s midfield cornerstone for the next decade. However, injuries and a struggling team have slowed his momentum, making a Golden Boy win in 2025 unlikely.
14. Claudio Echeverri – Manchester City
Photo: Mancity.com
Having joined Manchester City from River Plate, Claudio Echeverri is one of South America’s most promising exports. A creative midfielder with big-match pedigree, he notably scored a hat-trick against Brazil at the U17 World Cup.
Soon to join Chelsea, Quenda is known for his speed and trickery on the wing. Despite interest from Manchester United, the Portuguese talent chose Stamford Bridge as his next destination.
Arda Güler has shown glimpses of brilliance at Real Madrid but struggles to break into a star-studded line-up. With immense technical talent, his time might come later than 2025.
11. Jorrel Hato – Ajax
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com
Jorrel Hato has grown into a reliable defender at Ajax, capable of playing both centrally and at left-back. Though promising, he faces stiff competition in this year’s Golden Boy race.
10. Endrick – Real Madrid
OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com
Endrick joined Real Madrid amid huge expectations after starring for Palmeiras. While his talent is undeniable, his adaptation to European football is still in progress.
9. Eliesse Ben Seghir – Monaco
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com
Ben Seghir has steadily developed at Monaco, contributing to their Champions League push. With nine goal contributions this season, he’s made his mark in Ligue 1.
Set to join Bayern Munich, Bischof has been a standout in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old midfielder is one of Germany’s brightest emerging stars.
7. Kenan Yıldız – Juventus
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com
Yıldız has become a key figure under Thiago Motta at Juventus and a regular for Turkey. His consistency and flair have made him a rising star in Serie A.
6. Warren Zaïre-Emery – Paris Saint-Germain
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
Already a PSG mainstay at 19, Zaïre-Emery brings maturity, versatility, and leadership to midfield. With over 100 senior appearances, he’s playing well beyond his years.
5. Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal
Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com
After making his Premier League debut at just 15, Nwaneri has continued to rise in 2024/25. His goal against PSV made him the second-youngest English scorer in the Champions League.
Huijsen impressed during a loan at Roma before moving to Bournemouth and then Real Madrid. A composed centre-back with great ball-carrying ability, he is poised for a breakthrough at the highest level.
3. Pau Cubarsí – Barcelona
Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com
Pau Cubarsí has been a revelation for Barcelona, displaying composure and passing range rare for a teenager. Despite his youth, he’s already considered a key defensive figure under Hansi Flick.
2. Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com
Lewis-Skelly has had a sensational season, even earning an England cap and goal. His performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals further cemented his elite potential.
1. Désiré Doué – Paris Saint-Germain
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com
Doué has thrived in PSG’s new youth-focused era, recording 28 goal contributions this season. Often one of the best on the pitch when called upon, he’s the frontrunner to win the 2025 Golden Boy.
