The highly anticipated finalists for the 2024 Golden Boy Award have been announced, showcasing some of Europe’s most talented young footballers. Among the standout names are Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Manchester City’s Savinho, both of whom have had stellar performances over the past year.
The Golden Boy award, presented annually by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, celebrates the best soccer player under the age of 21 competing in Europe. Since its inception, the accolade has helped spotlight future legends, with former winners including Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland.
The Tradition of the Golden Boy Award
For more than two decades, the Golden Boy award has been a marker of future greatness in football. Established in 2003, it has since become one of the most prestigious honors for young players in Europe. The award is given based on performances over the calendar year, and previous recipients have gone on to dominate the football world.
In 2023, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham claimed the Golden Boy award by a record margin, following a series of standout displays for Borussia Dortmund, England, and his new club. With his victory, Bellingham cemented his status as one of the game’s brightest prospects, joining a distinguished list of past winners that includes Barcelona’s Gavi, Pedri, and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.
Spotlight on Lamine Yamal: The New Favorite
The frontrunner for this year’s Golden Boy is Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. At just 17, Yamal has already achieved remarkable feats, including his stunning displays for Spain at Euro 2024, where he contributed one goal and four assists across seven matches. Not only did Yamal help Spain lift the Euro 2024 trophy, but his efforts also earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award — all while he was still a teenager.
If Yamal secures the Golden Boy title this year, he will become the third Barcelona player to win the award in the last four years, following in the footsteps of Gavi (2022) and Pedri (2021). His dazzling footwork, tactical intelligence, and vision on the field make him a strong contender, and should he win, it would solidify his growing reputation as one of the brightest prospects in world football.
Manchester City’s Savinho: A Rising Star in England
Manchester City’s Savinho is another finalist who has captured attention with his impressive performances. The young Brazilian forward, known for his agility and creative playmaking, has quickly risen through the ranks at City. With each match, Savinho has shown his ability to handle the pressures of elite football, making him a worthy candidate for this prestigious honor. His inclusion among the Golden Boy finalists speaks volumes about his potential to become a key player for both City and Brazil in the near future.
Full List of 2024 Golden Boy Finalists
Here is the complete list of the 20 finalists for the 2024 Golden Boy award:
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
- Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
- Savinho (Manchester City)
- Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
- Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich)
- Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
- Jorrel Hato (Ajax)
- Leny Yoro (Manchester United)
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)
- Kenan Yıldız (Juventus)
- Cristhian Mosquera (Valencia)
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
- Arda Güler (Real Madrid)
- Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich)
- Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Oscar Gloukh (RB Salzburg)
- Samuel Omorodion (Porto)
Past Winners and Their Legacy
The Golden Boy award has produced some of the biggest names in football over the past 21 years. From Lionel Messi’s rise at Barcelona in 2005 to Erling Haaland’s lethal finishing for Borussia Dortmund in 2020, the award has consistently predicted stardom for its winners. Recent recipients like Gavi and Pedri have continued to thrive, representing Barcelona and Spain on the biggest stages.
A Golden Boy victory often acts as a launchpad for a long and successful career, and this year’s finalists will hope to follow in the footsteps of these legends.
Some of the notable past winners include:
- 2023: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- 2022: Gavi (Barcelona)
- 2021: Pedri (Barcelona)
- 2020: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
- 2017: Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2005: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
The 2024 Winner Awaits
The 2024 Golden Boy will be announced on December 4, and the competition among the 20 finalists is fierce. Lamine Yamal’s incredible performances for Barcelona and Spain place him as the favorite, but with talents like Savinho and João Neves also in contention, the final decision could be a close one. Whoever claims the award will undoubtedly be thrust into the spotlight as the next big name in world football, continuing the rich tradition of the Golden Boy award.
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When is the Golden Boy ward 2024 ceremony?
The 2024 Golden Boy will be announced on December 4.
