The Golden Boy 2025 nominees shortlist has been revealed, featuring 25 of the best players under 21-years-old across European football.
The award, similar to the Kopa Trophy, celebrates the best young footballer playing in a European country’s top league. The Golden Boy was created by Italian newspaper in 2003 to celebrate the best and brightest young players across the continent.
Voting includes representatives from countries such as France, Spain, England, Portugal and more. Unlike the Kopa Trophy, however, the Golden Boy takes into consideration a full calendar year compared to its counterpart which is based on a full season instead.
Players in the past to win the award include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and most recently Lamine Yamal.
Check out the full list of nominees, including the Wild Cards, below.
Jump to:Golden Boy 2025 Nominees: Age, Club, CountryGolden Boy 2025 Wild Cards: Age, Club, CountryWhy Lamine Yamal Isn’t Nominated for the 2025 Golden Boy Award






