Golden Boy

Nargiz Mammadzada

The Golden Boy Award celebrates emerging football talents, leaving an indelible mark in the fast-paced world of the sport.

Over the last decade, the coveted accolade has been a spotlight on rising stars, providing a glimpse into the future of football. The last 10 Golden Boy Award winners represent diverse talents from different corners of the footballing globe.

What is the Golden Boy Award?

The Golden Boy Award, instituted by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003, has become an esteemed honour in football. Showcasing the most promising young talents under 21, the award aims to recognise exceptional players based on their performances, technical skills and overall impact on their teams during a calendar year.

To be eligible for the Golden Boy, players must belong to a European top-division club, emphasising the award’s focus on the talent within the continent.

Over the years, notable winners such as Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Mbappé have elevated the trophy’s prestige, foreshadowing their subsequent outstanding careers. Our list showcases the last decade of outstanding Golden Boy winners.

10. Raheem Sterling

2014 English winger Raheem Sterling won the Golden Boy Award for representing Liverpool. Sterling’s electrifying pace, technical finesse and versatility made him a standout player.

“He later became the most expensive English player at the time of his transfer.”

His crucial goals and creative contributions were pivotal in Liverpool’s attacking prowess during the 2013-2014 season. Sterling’s Golden Boy recognition highlighted his emergence as one of England’s brightest talents. He later became the most expensive English player at the time of his transfer to Manchester City in 2015.

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9. Anthony Martial

Manchester United’s French forward Anthony Martial won the Golden Boy Award in 2015. Martial’s explosive pace, dribbling skills and clinical finishing solidified his reputation as a formidable force. His memorable debut season with Manchester United galvanised the team’s attacking flair.

8. Renato Sanches

Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches claimed the Golden Boy Award in 2016. Sanches, known for his powerful and box-to-box playing style, played a crucial role in Bayern’s midfield. His impressive performance contributed to the team’s Bundesliga triumph. Sanches’ breakout moment came during UEFA Euro 2016, where he helped Portugal secure the title.

7. Kylian Mbappé

In 2017, French prodigy Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boy Award while dazzling at Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappé’s explosive speed, dazzling dribbling and clinical finishing made him a football phenomenon. Instrumental in PSG’s attacking prowess, Mbappé played a pivotal role in domestic and European triumphs. Notably, he became the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup final in 2018.

6. Matthijs de Ligt

In 2018, Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch defensive maestro, earned the Golden Boy Award while leading the backline at Ajax. De Ligt’s maturity beyond his years, aerial prowess and composure under pressure set him apart. Instrumental in Ajax’s captivating run to the Champions League semifinals, he captained the team at just 19. One of Europe’s brightest defensive talents, he was renowned for his remarkable leadership, defensive skills, and goal-scoring ability.

5. João Félix

In 2019, Portuguese sensation João Félix secured the Golden Boy Award while dazzling at Atlético Madrid. Félix’s flair, creativity and goal-scoring prowess quickly made him a focal point in Atleti’s attack.

He became the club’s most expensive signing at the time with a €127M transfer fee. His impact helped Atletico Madrid secure a top-three finish in La Liga. Félix’s Golden Boy recognition underlined his potential to become a leading force in European football, building on Portugal’s tradition of producing football stars.

4. Erling Haaland

In 2020, the Norwegian goal-scoring sensation, Erling Haaland clinched the Golden Boy Award while setting the Bundesliga ablaze with Borussia Dortmund. Haaland’s remarkable physicality, lethal finishing and goal-scoring exploits immediately turned heads. His debut hat-trick in the Champions League and consistent Bundesliga performances showcased his immense talent.

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3. Pedri

In 2021, Spanish midfielder Pedri secured the Golden Boy Award while making a profound impact at Barcelona. Renowned for his exceptional ball control, vision and playmaking abilities, Pedri quickly became a linchpin in Barcelona’s midfield. He played a pivotal role in Spain’s success at UEFA Euro 2020, showing maturity beyond his years.

2. Gavi

Barcelona was lucky for two years in a row! In 2022, another Spanish player — midfielder Gavi — claimed the Golden Boy Award. Known for his mature and composed style of play, Gavi quickly established himself as a key figure in Barcelona’s midfield. Despite his young age, he displayed a remarkable understanding of the game and contributed significantly to the team’s success.

1. Jude Bellingham

In 2023, English midfielder Jude Bellingham earned the Golden Boy Award, showcasing his prowess at Real Madrid. Bellingham’s dynamic playing style, tenacity in midfield and ability to dictate the tempo quickly made him an integral part of Real Madrid’s lineup.

It has only been a few months, but Bellingham has already been chosen as the best summer transfer in 2023. Bellingham received his Golden Boy Award earlier this month in Turin.

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The Golden Decade

“Each winner etched their unique narrative on the football canvas”

In a decade marked by rising football talents, the Golden Boy Award has been a compass guiding us to the stars of tomorrow. Each winner etched their unique narrative on the football canvas, from Sterling’s electrifying pace to Bellingham’s midfield prowess.

As we close this chapter, the burning question is, what’s next? What will the future unveil for these Golden Boys? The football world awaits, ready to witness the next chapter in the thrilling saga of emerging greatness.

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Featured image courtesy of Emilio Garcia via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Nargiz Mammadzada is the head of our Sports Section. She is from Baku, Azerbaijan, but currently lives in Gdansk, Poland. She also writes for various platforms in the United States, Australia, Canada and United Kingdom.

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