Full Breakdown
Golden Boy 2025 Nominees Announced: A Look at the Rising Stars
10/16/2025, 1:36:41 AM
Overview of the Golden Boy Award
The Golden Boy award, established by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003, recognizes the best footballer under the age of 21 in Europe. Each year, a shortlist of nominees is compiled based on their performances over the calendar year, with voting conducted by a panel of 50 international journalists. The 2025 edition has unveiled its 25 finalists, which includes a mix of established talents and promising newcomers.
Key Nominees for 2025
Among the notable nominees is Pau Cubarsí from FC Barcelona, who has emerged as a strong contender after a successful season, including a domestic treble and significant contributions to his team's performance. Cubarsí is the only representative from Barcelona this year, following the exclusion of Lamine Yamal, the previous winner, due to the award's rules preventing repeat winners. Other prominent nominees include:
- Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain): A standout performer who played a crucial role in PSG's Champions League victory.
- Estevão Willian (Chelsea): Known for his impactful performances since joining Chelsea, including a decisive goal against Liverpool.
- Jorrel Hato (Chelsea): Recognized for his impressive season at Ajax before his transfer to Chelsea.
- Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid): A rising star who has made significant strides in his career.
The full list of nominees includes players from various clubs and countries, showcasing a diverse array of talent across European football.
Representation and Statistics
The 2025 shortlist features 25 players from 13 different countries, with France and England leading with five nominees each. The English Premier League is the most represented league, contributing nine players to the list. This year's nominees include:
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
- Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Arda Güler (Real Madrid)
- Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)
- Mamadou Sarr (RC Strasbourg, on loan from Chelsea)
Additionally, five wild card selections were made, including Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) and Giovanni Leoni (Liverpool), expanding the pool of contenders.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Golden Boy award celebrates young talent, it has faced scrutiny regarding its selection process and the exclusion of previous winners. Critics argue that the rule barring repeat winners may undermine the recognition of consistently outstanding players. Furthermore, the reliance on a panel of journalists for voting raises questions about potential biases in the selection process.
Official Statements & Responses
Tuttosport has emphasized that the award aims to highlight the best young talents in European football, with the voting process designed to ensure a fair assessment of players' performances throughout the year. The announcement of the nominees has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike, with many speculating on who will emerge as the next Golden Boy.
What's Next
The winner of the Golden Boy 2025 award will be announced in November during a ceremony in Turin, Italy. As the football community anticipates the results, discussions around the nominees and their potential impact on the sport continue to unfold.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cubarsí, who was also among last year’s finalists, is naturally one of the main favourites to win it this time after another outstanding season.” — FC Barcelona
- “Desire Doue is surely the favourite though after playing a huge role in Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League.” — TalkSport
The Golden Boy award continues to be a significant milestone for young footballers, marking their potential and achievements on a prestigious platform.
