# 2026 Golden Boy award finalists announcement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-golden-boy-award-finalists-announcement
> Updated: 2026-10-08T08:30:05.000Z. Sources: 43. Developments: 2.

The Italian newspaper Tuttosport has announced the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy award, which recognizes the best European football player under the age of 21 based on performances during the 2025/26 season. The shortlist was revealed in Venice and includes 20 players from the Golden Boy Football Benchmark Index and five wildcards.

Barcelona players lead the nominations with three representatives: Pau Cubarsí, Marc Bernal, and Xavi Espart. Cubarsí is identified as a frontrunner following his performance at the World Cup. Other notable nominees include Real Madrid’s Endrick and Yan Diomandé, Manchester City’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, Chelsea’s Estêvão and Jorrel Hato, and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Premier League holds the highest representation among single leagues, with eight players included on the list.

International representation includes talents from Spain, Germany, Brazil, France, Greece, and Argentina. Brazilian finalists include Endrick, Estêvão, and Rayan, while Argentina is represented by Gianluca Prestianni and Franco Mastantuono. Lamine Yamal is ineligible after winning the award in 2024.

The winner is selected by a jury of 50 journalists from 27 European countries, representing publications such as France Football, L’Equipe, Marca, and The Times. The voting process is expected to begin in November, with the official award ceremony scheduled for December in Turin, Italy.

## Claims

- Tuttosport announced the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy award. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí is a leading candidate for the award. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Golden Boy award recognizes the best under-21 football player in Europe. (single source)
- A jury of 50 journalists from 27 countries will select the winner. (single source)
- The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Venice, Italy. (single source)
- Three Brazilian players, Endrick, Estêvão, and Rayan, are among the finalists. (single source)
- Real Madrid's Yan Diomande is a top contender alongside Pau Cubarsí. (single source)
- The award ceremony is expected to occur in early December. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Tuttosport announces 2026 Golden Boy award nominees

Tuttosport has revealed the 25 nominees for the 2026 Golden Boy award, featuring Pau Cubarsí as a favorite and several Premier League players, including Chelsea's Estêvão and Jorrel Hato.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tuttosport-announces-2026-golden-boy-award-nominees

### 2026-10-05: Golden Boy 2026: Tuttosport announces 25 finalists for top youth award

Tuttosport has unveiled the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy Award, featuring top under-21 talents like Pau Cubarsí, Endrick, and Ayyoub Bouaddi. The winner will be announced in late 2026.

41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/golden-boy-announces-25-finalists-for-2026-award

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Cite as: 2026 Golden Boy award finalists announcement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-golden-boy-award-finalists-announcement