The 2025 Golden Boy finalists are officially unveiled, spotlighting 25 under-21 stars vying for Europe’s top youth football honor.
Since 2003, the award has crowned icons like Lionel Messi and 2024 winner Lamine Yamal, celebrating performances across top leagues, youth internationals, and major tournaments.
As FC Barcelona leads La Liga with 25 points, the 25 nominees, drawn from a diverse pool, reflect the sport’s global youth surge, setting the stage for a thrilling December ceremony in Turin.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the 25 finalists were announced on October 15, 2025, at Genoa’s Badia di Sant’Andrea.
The list includes Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué, Warren Zaire-Emery, Senny Mayulu, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Mamadou Sarr, showcasing France’s depth.
England’s contingent features Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Nico O’Reilly, Tottenham’s Archie Gray, and Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham.
Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí, a stalwart center-back, and Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen represent La Liga.
Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and Real’s Arda Güler bring Turkish flair, while Portugal’s Geovany Quenda and Rodrigo Mora add Primeira Liga promise.
Italy’s Pio Esposito and Giovanni Leoni, Argentina’s Franco Mastantuono, Netherlands’ Jorrel Hato, Brazil’s Estevão, Denmark’s Victor Froholdt, Serbia’s Aleksandar Stanković, and France’s Leny Yoro complete the eclectic mix.
The nominees, selected for their impact from October 2024 to August 2025, face scrutiny from European journalists weighing goals, assists, and trophies.
Cubarsí’s inclusion, with 27 appearances for Barcelona, underscores La Masia’s enduring legacy, especially with Yamal ineligible for consecutive wins.
The list spans Serie A, Premier League, and beyond, reflecting football’s global talent pool.
As Barcelona gears up for Girona and El Clasico, the Golden Boy spotlight amplifies the stakes for nominees like Cubarsí.
The 2025 race, fueled by breakout seasons and youth international heroics, promises to crown a new star, continuing the award’s tradition of identifying football’s future legends.
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