The 100-strong list of nominees for the 2021 Golden Boy award has been released. The award was introduced in 2003 to reward some of the best youngsters in the world, under 21 every year. Past recipients of the award include Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Erling Haaland. Of the list released, here are the top five names who have a chance at winning the trophy:
Read: Here are all the Golden Boy Award winners to date
5. Edouardo Camavinga
The Rennes academy product has been courted by the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich in the last season or so. His fluency on the ball, and his ability to create chances as well as come back and defend, make him one of the most promising midfielders for the future.
4. Pedri
The teenager with the second-highest market value in the world, Pedri enjoyed his breakout season with Barcelona in 20/21. He made 52 appearances for the Blaugrana and scored 4 goals, assisting 6. His season ended in silverware, as he lifted the Copa del Rey with Barcelona.
3. Jude Bellingham
Bellingham lifted his first major trophy with Borussia Dortmund, the DFB Pokal, and established himself as a staple in midfield. His technical ability has earned him a lot of praise and he recently became the youngest player to feature in the Euros, coming off the bench for England. But with all that said, his chances are eclipsed by the next two players in all likelihood.
2. Florian Wirtz
The German attacking midfielder recently won the Under-21 European Championships that gives him a boost over the others in this list. Despite being a teenager, he has filled in exceptionally well for Kai Havertz, and has scored 10 goals and provided 8 assists across all competitions for club and country in 20/21.
1. Mason Greenwood
Our prediction is that the Manchester United academy product will edge it out and become the Golden Boy this year. He is the only player on this list to start in a major European final, the Europa League against Villareal. He scored 12 goals and provided 6 assists across 52 appearances in all competitions and given the potential he has shown during his time with the first team, few will bet against him winning the award.
