The annual Golden Boy award, recognizing the best young footballer in Europe, is nearing its announcement for 2025. While the winner’s name is yet to be revealed, the list of 25 nominees has just been made public.
Surprisingly, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal—widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents—was not included among the candidates.
The full list of nominees is as follows:
Désiré Doué, Leny Yoro, Senny Mayulu, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Mamadou Sarr, Ethan Nwaneri, Nico O’Reilly, Archie Gray, Jobe Bellingham, Pau CubarsÃ, Dean Huijsen, Kenan Yildiz, Arda Güler, Geovani Kenda, Rodrigo Mora, Pio Esposito, Giovanni Leoni, Franco Mastantuono, Jorrel Hato, Estevão, Victor Froholdt, Alexander Stankovic, Lucas Bergvall.
Adding to the controversy, it has been reported that Yamal’s father recently approached Barcelona’s management, expressing dissatisfaction over the club’s perceived lack of support for his son’s campaign to win the prestigious award.
The Golden Boy winner is set to be announced soon, spotlighting Europe’s most promising young talent.
