Premier League players dominate the 2026 Golden Boy shortlist making up nearly a third of the 25 finalists for the prize awarded to the best U21 men’s player in Europe; Barcelona have three players in contention – more than any other club – but Lamine Yamal is not on the list Arsenal and England midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly has been included in the 25-man shortlist for this year’s Golden Boy award. The 20-year-old is one of eight Premier League players in contention for the prize, presented by Italian publication Tuttosport, which is awarded to the best U21 men’s player in Europe. Bournemouth and Brighton both have two players among the finalists, making up half of the Premier League contingent. Eli Junior Kroupi and Rayan are in contention for Bournemouth, while Brighton have Luka Vuskovic and Charalampos Kostoulas.
Chelsea also have two shortlisted players in Estevao Willian and Jorrel Hato, while Manchester City’s summer-signing Ayyoub Bouaddi is the other Premier League star on the list. Lamine Yamal, the odds-on favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or, is ruled out because he has already won the award. However, his Spain and Barcelona team-mate, Pau Cubarsi, named best young player at the summer’s World Cup, is among the strongest contenders. Barcelona have three players shortlisted, more than any other club, with Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart also included.
Real Madrid have two players in the mix with Yan Diomande and Endrick, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery and Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl also make the cut. Saïd El Mala (Köln) Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina, on loan from Real Madrid) Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.
