Top 20 Most Valuable Golden Boy Nominees – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Every year, the prestigious Golden Boy award honors the brightest under-21 talents in European football. These players are not only making headlines for their performances, but also turning heads with their rapidly rising market value.
In this ranking, we highlight the 20 most valuable Golden Boy nominees of 2025, starting from number 20 and working our way to the most prized young player in the game. From breakout stars to already-established names, these rising prospects represent the future of football.
20. Assane Diao – £26M
The Como winger has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in La Liga. His pace and directness make him a constant threat on the flank despite his young age.
19. Endrick – £30M
Soon to join Real Madrid, Endrick is already a superstar in the making. His maturity, physicality, and goal-scoring instincts have drawn comparisons to great Brazilian strikers of the past.
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18. Mathys Tel – £30M
Spurs’s versatile forward is making a name for himself with impactful cameos and important goals. Tel combines flair with raw pace and an eye for goal.
17. Jorrel Hato – £30M
Chelsea’s latest defensive signing from Ajax, Hato is praised for his ball-playing ability and composure. A natural leader at the back, he’s expected to break into the Premier League quickly.
16. Lucas Bergvall – £32M
Tottenham’s Swedish midfield prodigy made waves in the Allsvenskan before moving to England. With strong technique and a powerful engine, he is a modern box-to-box asset.
15. Archie Gray – £32M
Now with Spurs, Gray made headlines as one of Leeds United’s brightest talents. Equally comfortable at right-back or in midfield, his intelligence on the pitch belies his age.
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14. Rodrigo Mora – £34M
A breakout star at Porto, Mora is an attacking midfielder with flair and excellent decision-making in the final third. He’s already drawing interest from top European clubs.
13. Myles Lewis-Skelly – £38M
Part of Arsenal’s next-generation midfield, Lewis-Skelly is dynamic, press-resistant, and highly intelligent in possession. His style evokes shades of Cazorla and Wilshere.
12. Arda Güler – £38M
Despite a few injury setbacks, Güler has shown flashes of brilliance at Real Madrid. The Turkish playmaker is known for his magical left foot and ability to unlock defenses.
11. Geovany Quenda – £38M
One of the lesser-known names on the list, Quenda is a raw but gifted wide forward from Sporting CP. Scouts are intrigued by his dribbling skills and attacking flair.
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10. Kenan Yildiz – £43M
Juventus' German-born Turkish talent has a sharp eye for goal and excellent footwork. Yildiz is increasingly relied upon in key moments and could become a key figure for both club and country.
9. Kobbie Mainoo – £43M
Manchester United’s standout breakthrough star from last season, Mainoo offers composure and vision in midfield. Many see him as the long-term successor to Michael Carrick.
8. Ethan Nwaneri – £47M
Still just 18, Nwaneri has already made history at Arsenal by becoming the youngest Premier League debutant. His creativity and agility make him a highly watched talent.
7. Warren Zaïre-Emery – £47M
Already a key player at PSG, Zaïre-Emery blends defensive grit with technical finesse. At just 19, he is often trusted in Champions League clashes and captains France’s U21s.
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6. Leny Yoro – £47M
A composed and elegant center-back, Yoro is on the radar of Europe’s elite. With excellent positional sense and passing range, he has been Lille’s defensive rock.
5. Estêvão – £51M
Nicknamed “Messinho,” Estêvão has wowed fans in Brazil with his dribbling and attacking flair. Set to move to Chelsea, he’s considered one of the top U18 wingers worldwide.
4. Dean Huijsen – £51M
The tall Spanish center-back has had a breakout season on loan from Juventus. With aerial dominance and confident ball progression, Huijsen is seen as a future defensive general.
3. Pau Cubarsí – £68M
Barcelona’s teenage sensation at center-back, Cubarsí has already earned comparisons to Gerard Piqué. Calm under pressure and elite in distribution, he’s fast becoming undroppable.
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2. Désiré Doué – £77M
The Rennes academy graduate is now at PSG, where his blend of athleticism and creative flair has caught fire. Able to play as a 10 or on either wing, Doué is the definition of versatile talent.
1. Lamine Yamal – £171M
At just 18, Yamal is already a superstar for both Barcelona and Spain. With dazzling dribbles, vision, and maturity beyond his years, he leads this ranking as the most valuable young player in the world.
