Since its creation in 2003, the Golden Boy Awarddelivered by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, has been a key reference in recognizing young talents in European football under 21 years of age.
Over the years, this award has highlighted future sports stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. In 2024, after Jude Bellingham’s overwhelming victory the previous year, the focus has shifted to a new generation that is causing a stir in the Old Continent.
The Golden Boy Award is not only based on popularity, but on performance on the field. To do this, Tuttosport uses the Golden Boy Football Benchmark Index (GBFB), a tool that measures each player’s individual statistics to evaluate their impact. Through this index, a list of the 100 players with the best performance in Europe is made, who are chosen as nominees for the award. Although we are in the early stages of the 2024 process, expectations are high, since the top 100 is made up of the biggest promises in world football.
Among the main candidates to win the Golden Boy 2024the name of Lamine Yamalyoung star of Barcelona and the Spanish team, who at just 16 years old is already positioned at the top of the GBFB index. Yamal, known for his speed and dribbling skills, has captured the attention of experts and the public. His ability to make a difference in important matches makes him the favorite for the Golden Boy throne.
Another notable name is Alejandro Garnachothe talented 20-year-old Argentine winger who plays for Manchester United. With his explosive style and determination in attack, Garnacho has become a fundamental player for his team and is one of the fans’ favorites. Next to him, his teammate, Kobbie Mainooa 19-year-old English midfielder, has surprised many with his ability to control the midfield with maturity and vision of the game.
Apart from these three, other notable names that feature among the best include Joao Neves (Benfica), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG), Leny Yoro (Lille) and Savio (Girona), who have also left their mark on their respective teams and leagues.
- Lamine Yamal (Spain – Barcelona)
- Joao Neves (Portugal – Benfica)
- Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina – Manchester United)
- Warren Zaire-Emery (France – PSG)
- Leny Yoro (France – Lille)
- Savio (Brazil – Girona)
- Kobe Mainoo (England – Manchester United)
- Rico Lewis (England – Manchester City)
- Jorrel Hato (Netherlands – Ajax)
- Arthur Vermeeren (Belgium – Atlético Madrid)
- Oscar Gloukh (Israel – Salzburg)
- Mathys Tel (France – Bayern)
- Pau Cubarsi (Spain – Barcelona)
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (England – Borussia Dortmund)
- Cristhian Mosquera (Spain – Valencia)
- Kenan Yıldız (Türkiye – Juventus)
- Gavi (Spain – Barcelona)
- Aleksandar Pavlovic (Germany – Bayern Munich)
- Lewis Miley (England – Newcastle United)
- Ilias Akhomach (Morocco – Villarreal)
The selection and voting process
The list of nominees Golden Boy 2024 It is not static. As the season progresses, it can be updated based on player performances. Tuttosport regularly updates the list based on on-field performance and the GBFB index. Currently, the players who occupy the first 20 positions, barring any unexpected drop in performance, have practically assured their place in the final survey.
Fans also play an important role in this process, as the public has the opportunity to vote for their favorite player. On June 27, 2024, the first round of voting opened, where fans can participate through the Tuttosport website.
The Golden Boy award has been a springboard to success for some of the biggest names in football. From Rafael van der Vaart in 2003 until Jude Bellingham In 2023, the winners have proven to have the talent and perseverance to become influential figures. Players like Wayne Rooney (2004), Lionel Messi (2005), Paul Pogba (2013) and Kylian Mbappé (2017) have become global icons.
A bright future
Although it is still early to know the next winner of the 2024 Golden Boy, the list of candidates is full of pure talent. Whether it is a young emerging star like Lamine Yamal or a more experienced player like Alejandro Garnacho, the fight for the throne of youth football promises to be exciting. In such a close competition, the only certainty is that the next Golden Boy will have the difficult task of following in the footsteps of legends who were once recognized with this prestigious award.
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