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2026 Golden Boy award finalists announcement

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2026-10-07 02:02 UTC → 2026-10-09 17:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~selection consists of~~ shortlist was revealed in Venice and includes 20 players from the Golden Boy Football Benchmark Index and five wildcards. ~~Among~~ Barcelona players lead the nominees are several prominent South American talents. Brazil is represented by Endrick (Real Madrid), Estêvão (Chelsea), and Rayan (Bournemouth). Argentina also has two finalists: Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica) and Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina/Real Madrid). Other notable finalists include Barcelona’s nominations with three representatives: Pau Cubarsí, Marc Bernal, and Xavi ~~Espart, as well as Warren Zaïre-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain, Yan Diomandé of Real Madrid, and Ayyoub Bouaddi of Manchester City. Pau~~ Espart. Cubarsí is ~~noted~~ identified as a ~~strong contender~~ 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 ~~absent from the list as he is~~ ineligible after winning the award in 2024. The winner ~~will be~~ is selected by a jury of 50 journalists from 27 European ~~countries.~~ 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 ~~to take place~~ for December in Turin, ~~Italy, in December.~~ Italy.

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