Golden boy web 2025: The most valuable nominees ranked

The race for the prestigious Golden Boy Web 2025 award highlights some of the most talented young footballers across Europe and beyond. From teenage sensations already starring for elite clubs to rising stars making waves in their domestic leagues, this list showcases the next generation of global football icons. Here’s a look at the nominees ranked by their market value — starting from the bottom and moving up to the most valuable wonderkid of them all.

Can Uzun – Eintracht Frankfurt (£38m)

The German-Turkish striker Can Uzun has become one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young stars. With his sharp finishing, intelligent positioning, and calmness in front of goal, he has turned heads across Europe. Frankfurt’s faith in their youth system is paying off handsomely as Uzun continues to grow in confidence. At just 19, his £38 million valuation underlines his enormous potential to become a future international star.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal (£38m)

Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of Arsenal’s most exciting academy graduates in recent years. Known for his composure on the ball and outstanding tactical awareness, the 19-year-old midfielder has drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League’s elite playmakers. His ability to dictate tempo and contribute defensively makes him a complete modern midfielder. Arsenal fans are already dreaming of him becoming a key figure in their long-term midfield project.

Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal (£38m)

Still only 18, Ethan Nwaneri has been on the radar ever since making his senior debut for Arsenal as a 15-year-old — the youngest ever in Premier League history. Now more mature and physically developed, he continues to impress with his creativity, close control, and vision in tight spaces. Mikel Arteta’s faith in youth has given Nwaneri the platform to shine. His £38 million valuation reflects how highly he’s regarded across Europe.

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Geovany Quenda – Sporting CP (£38m)

Portuguese football has long been a breeding ground for attacking talent, and Geovany Quenda is the latest jewel in the crown. The 18-year-old winger combines flair, pace, and technical brilliance to torment defenders week after week. At Sporting CP, he’s quickly earned a reputation for his fearless dribbling and ability to produce moments of magic. Many believe it’s only a matter of time before Europe’s biggest clubs come calling.

Warren Zaïre-Emery – Paris Saint-Germain (£42m)

Already a regular for both PSG and the French national team, Warren Zaïre-Emery embodies maturity beyond his years. The 19-year-old midfielder is a powerhouse with exceptional passing range and tactical discipline. He has seamlessly integrated into a star-studded PSG midfield, standing shoulder to shoulder with seasoned professionals. His £42 million valuation feels like just the beginning for a player destined to become one of France’s leaders for the next decade.

Franco Mastantuono – Real Madrid (£42m)

The Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono has made an astonishing rise through the ranks and is now part of Real Madrid’s long-term vision. Known for his creativity, technical finesse, and ability to glide past defenders, Mastantuono has already drawn comparisons to Argentina’s finest playmakers. His confidence on the ball and mature decision-making make him a rare talent at just 18 years old. With a £42 million valuation, Madrid see him as one of their brightest young assets.

Lény Yoro – Manchester United (£46m)

Manchester United’s defensive future looks bright with Lény Yoro among their ranks. The French centre-back, aged 19, combines physical strength with composure that belies his youth. After impressing in Ligue 1, his move to Old Trafford has been watched closely by Europe’s elite. Valued at £46 million, Yoro could soon develop into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.

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Arda Güler – Real Madrid (£50m)

Turkish playmaker Arda Güler is thriving at Real Madrid after overcoming early injury setbacks. His close control, dribbling, and vision make him one of Europe’s most technically gifted young midfielders. Güler’s flair and creativity fit perfectly with Real’s attacking style, and his performances continue to improve each week. At 20 years old and valued at £50 million, he’s expected to be one of Madrid’s key stars for years to come.

Estevão – Chelsea (£50m)

Brazilian wonderkid Estevão has already made headlines before even kicking a Premier League ball. The 18-year-old forward, often dubbed “Messinho,” combines flair, agility, and lightning speed. Chelsea fans are eagerly awaiting his arrival, confident he will add that spark the team has lacked in attack. With a £50 million valuation, he is viewed as one of Brazil’s brightest exports since Neymar.

Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid (£58m)

Dutch defender Dean Huijsen has quickly become one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe. Now at Real Madrid, his mix of height, composure, and passing ability has impressed Carlo Ancelotti and fans alike. Huijsen reads the game exceptionally well and brings calmness to Madrid’s defensive line. With a valuation of £58 million, he’s one of the few defenders on this list — and one of the most valuable.

Kenan Yildiz – Juventus (£62m)

Kenan Yildiz has become the face of Juventus’ new generation. The 20-year-old forward possesses remarkable versatility, capable of playing across the front line with flair and precision. His combination of pace, technique, and finishing has made him a regular starter in Serie A. Valued at £62 million, Yildiz represents the club’s future and a potential leader of the Turkish national team.

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Pau Cubarsí – Barcelona (£66m)

Few defenders at 18 have shown the maturity and tactical intelligence that Pau Cubarsí displays. The Barcelona centre-back has been nothing short of sensational since breaking into the first team. His anticipation, passing accuracy, and calm under pressure have drawn comparisons to Gerard Piqué. With a market value of £66 million, he’s not only a defensive revelation but a cornerstone of Barça’s future.

Désiré Doué – Paris Saint-Germain (£75m)

Désiré Doué’s move to PSG has taken his game to another level. The 20-year-old French midfielder is a creative force capable of unlocking any defence with his dribbling and vision. His performances in Ligue 1 have made him a fan favourite and a key figure for PSG’s next generation. With a £75 million valuation, Doué is rapidly establishing himself as one of France’s most dynamic young stars.

Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (£166m)

At just 18, Lamine Yamal is already considered one of the best young players in the world. His dazzling skill, composure, and decision-making have made him an essential part of Barcelona’s attack and Spain’s national team. Every match he plays seems to produce a new moment of brilliance, and he handles the spotlight with remarkable maturity. With a staggering valuation of £166 million, Yamal stands at the very top of the Golden Boy Web 2025 list — a generational talent leading football’s new era.

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