Golden Boy 2024: Tuttosport’s list of top 20 contenders

The finalists for the Golden Boy 2024 award showcase some of the most promising young talent in Europe.

For over two decades, the esteemed Italian outlet Tuttosport has honored the best soccer player under 21, competing across European leagues with the Golden Boy award. This prestigious recognition has celebrated extraordinary talents, with previous winners including legends such as Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney, as well as rising stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.

Last year, Jude Bellingham earned the prestigious Golden Boy award by a remarkable margin, showcasing his talent through standout performances with Borussia Dortmund, England, and Real Madrid. This year, the spotlight is on the next promising player, who will be honored on December 4.

The List of 20 Contenders

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

• João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

• Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)

• Savinho (Manchester City)

• Rico Lewis (Manchester City)

• Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich)

• Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

• Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

• Leny Yoro (Manchester United)

• Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)

• Kenan Yıldız (Juventus)

• Cristhian Mosquera (Valencia)

• Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

• Arda Güler (Real Madrid)

• Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich)

• Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Oscar Gloukh (RB Salzburg)

• Samuel Omorodion (Porto)

The Favourites to win the award

Lamine Yamal is a strong contender for this year's Golden Boy award, thanks to his outstanding contributions during Euro 2024 with Spain. The young Barcelona winger notched one goal and four assists in seven matches for La Roja. In addition to celebrating a Euro 2024 victory, he also received the Young Player of the Tournament award just a day after his 17th birthday, highlighting his potential for a bright future in football.

If Yamal wins the award, he will become the third Barcelona player in the last four years to achieve this honor. Joining a prestigious list of past winners, he would be recognized alongside some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. It's worth noting that Gavi from Barcelona made history as the youngest player to receive the Golden Boy award at just 18 years and 77 days. This sets an inspiring benchmark for young talents in football.

Mainoo experienced a significant breakthrough season with Manchester United in 2023-24, contributing five goals and one assist in 32 matches across all competitions. His promising performance earned him the 2022-23 Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.