Where every Golden Boy winner is now: 2010 to 2025
From wonderkids to world-beaters, the Golden Boy award tracks the rise of Europe’s most exciting young footballers. But as the years pass, some live up to the hype—while others fade from the spotlight. Here's a look back at every Golden Boy winner from 2010 to 2025, and where they are today.
2025 – Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
Doue captured headlines with a breakout season at PSG, helping the French club win their first-ever Champions League title. The French midfielder, whose name fittingly translates as “Desired Gifted,” is now considered one of the brightest talents in world football.
2024 – Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
The Barcelona prodigy had a fairytale year, lifting Euro 2024 with Spain and winning the Golden Boy shortly after. Already a global star, Yamal remains central to Barcelona's revival and their hopes for future silverware.
2023 – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
After shining at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham secured the award in 2023 and hit the ground running at Real Madrid. Though his goal-scoring spree has cooled, the English midfielder continues to be a crucial figure at the Bernabéu.
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2022 – Gavi (Barcelona)
Despite injury setbacks, Gavi's maturity and intelligence on the pitch helped him win the 2022 Golden Boy. Still at Barcelona, he’s a key part of the midfield when fit, and a cornerstone of Spain’s national team setup.
2021 – Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri exploded onto the scene with dazzling performances for club and country, earning the award in 2021. While injuries have slowed his momentum, he remains an indispensable part of Barcelona's plans under Hansi Flick.
2020 – Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland's dominance at Borussia Dortmund earned him the 2020 accolade, and he’s only grown more lethal since. Now with Manchester City, he’s widely seen as the best striker in world football and continues to shatter scoring records.
2019 – João Félix (Al-Nassr)
Once hailed as a generational talent at Benfica and Atlético Madrid, Félix’s trajectory has taken unexpected turns. He now plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, looking to rediscover the spark that made him a star.
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2018 – Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
After emerging as Ajax's defensive rock, de Ligt made big moves to Juventus and Bayern before landing at Manchester United. Still only in his mid-20s, the Dutchman brings leadership and composure to the Premier League side’s backline.
2017 – Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Mbappé was already a sensation when he won the Golden Boy in 2017 with Monaco. Today, he's finally made the long-anticipated move to Real Madrid, aiming to add Champions League glory to his already illustrious résumé.
2016 – Renato Sanches (Panathinaikos, on loan from PSG)
Renato Sanches burst onto the scene with Benfica and Bayern but struggled for consistency. Now on loan at Panathinaikos from PSG, he’s fighting to reclaim the early promise that earned him the 2016 award.
2015 – Anthony Martial (CF Monterrey)
Martial was tipped for greatness at Monaco and Manchester United, but inconsistent form derailed his rise. He now plays for CF Monterrey in Mexico, hoping to revive his career away from the European spotlight.
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2014 – Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Sterling became a Premier League regular at Liverpool before starring at Manchester City. Now with Chelsea, he remains a reliable presence on the wing, though his international form has seen peaks and valleys.
2013 – Paul Pogba (AS Monaco)
After winning the award at Juventus, Pogba enjoyed highs and lows with Manchester United before returning to Italy. Currently at AS Monaco, he’s working to stay fit and recapture his best form in Ligue 1.
2012 – Isco (Real Betis)
Isco dazzled early at Málaga and later with Real Madrid, winning multiple Champions Leagues. Now at Real Betis, he’s rediscovered some of that magic and remains a fan favorite in La Liga.
2011 – Mario Götze (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Götze famously scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, fulfilling his early promise. Though his career has had ups and downs, he continues to perform steadily at Eintracht Frankfurt.
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2010 – Mario Balotelli (Without club)
Balotelli’s raw talent lit up Inter and Manchester City, but his career has been marred by inconsistency and off-field drama. As of now, the enigmatic forward is without a club and looking for one final chapter.
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