Golden Boy Award: Which Premier League Star Will Shock the World and Claim the Coveted Title?

Every year, the Golden Boy award shines a spotlight on the brightest young talents in football—those gifted players under 21 who’ve begun turning heads and rewriting what’s possible on the pitch. This season, the Premier League flexes its muscle with nine promising stars earning nominations, underscoring the depth of emerging talent across England’s top flight. Remember Lamine Yamal? Back in 2024, he clinched the award thanks to his commanding role at Barcelona and his heroic haul for Spain at the European Championship—then powered through a phenomenal treble-winning campaign. Now, the spotlight shifts to new hopefuls like Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, Chelsea’s Estevao alongside Jorrel Hato, and a clutch of others from Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham. Even Jobe Bellingham and Liverpool’s Giovanni Leon got wildcard nods, proving the talent pipeline runs deep. Still, all eyes are on Desire Doue from PSG—the odds-on favorite—fresh off a Champions League final where he fired a couple of unforgettable goals. This list isn’t just a who’s who of tomorrow; it’s a glimpse at football’s future laid out in vivid color. Curious to dive into the full roster? LEARN MORE

Nine Premier League players are among the shortlist of players nominated for this year’s Golden Boy award, which recognises the most impressive players under the age of 21.

Lamine Yamal was the recipient of the award in 2024 after establishing himself in the Barcelona side and helping Spain lift the European Championship.

The teenager went on to enjoy a treble-winning season with the Catalan club last season and came runner-up in the most recent Ballon d’Or, losing out to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele.

This year sees the likes of England’s Myles Lewis-Skelly make the 20-player list, alongside Arsenal teammate Ethan Nwaneri.

Chelsea’s Estevao and Jorrel Hato also make the list, while there are also places for Manchester United’s Leny Yoro, Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City and Tottenham duo Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Jude, and Liverpool’s Giovanni Leon are among the five wildcards.

But while the Premier League is well represented on this year’s Golden Boy list, it seems another PSG star, Desire Doue, is the favourite to take home the trophy.

Doue played a key role in the club’s trophy-laden season last term, scoring twice in the final as the Parisians thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 to lift the Champions League for the very first time.