started · updated
Golden Boy 2026: Tuttosport announces 25 finalists for top youth award
The Italian newspaper Tuttosport has announced the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy Award, which recognizes the best under-21 football player in European leagues. The shortlist was revealed in Venice and includes a diverse group of international talents.
Barcelona players lead the nominations with three representatives: Pau Cubarsí, Marc Bernal, and Xavi Espart. Cubarsí is noted as a strong contender following his performance at the World Cup. Other prominent names include Real Madrid's Endrick and Yan Diomande, Manchester City's Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Nationalities represented include Spain, Germany, Brazil, France, Greece, and Argentina. Notable international inclusions are Brazilian trio Endrick, Estêvão, and Rayan, as well as Argentine players Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni. Lamine Yamal is absent from the list as he is ineligible after winning the award in 2024.
A jury of 50 journalists from 27 European countries will vote to select the winner. The final decision is expected to be announced in November, with an official ceremony planned for December in Turin, Italy.
Entities
Ayyoub Bouaddi · Endrick · Estevão · FC Barcelona · Franco Mastantuono · Gianluca Prestianni · Golden Boy · Golden Boy Award · Pau Cubarsi · Rayan · Real Madrid · Tuttosport
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Real Madrid's Yan Diomande is a top contender alongside Pau Cubarsí. www.pulse.com.gh
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A jury of 50 journalists from 27 countries will select the winner. www.gazetaesportiva.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Venice, Italy. www.gazetaesportiva.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tuttosport announced the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy award. www.gazetaesportiva.com · meridiano.net · www.pulse.com.gh
- [● 2 SOURCES] Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí is a leading candidate for the award. meridiano.net · www.pulse.com.gh
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The award ceremony is expected to occur in early December. www.gazetaesportiva.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Golden Boy award recognizes the best under-21 football player in Europe. www.gazetaesportiva.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Three Brazilian players, Endrick, Estêvão, and Rayan, are among the finalists. www.gazetaesportiva.com