Some of the best players to ever lace up a pair of boots have been recognized with the Golden Boy award since its inception in 2003.
Created by Italian newspaper , the award honors the best young talent in soccer. Players under the age of 21 and playing in one of Europe’s top-flight leagues are eligible to take home the honor, voted for by journalists from publications across the continent.
Over the last 22 years, Golden Boy winners have gone on to become legends of the game. In fact, some players are already superstars when they lift the individual accolade.
Twenty-five of the Europe’s brightest players have earned nominations for the award in 2025, hoping to join the exclusive list of winners that includes Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
Here’s a full rundown of the award’s history.
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