Golden Boy 2026 finalists revealed as Europe’s biggest young stars battle for the crown

• The official 25 player shortlist for the Golden Boy 2026 award has been formally announced.

• Barcelona La Masia academy shines again with Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal, and Xavi Espart nominated.

• World champion defender Pau Cubarsi leads the race as the top contender for the crown.

The race to claim the prestigious Golden Boy 2026 award has reached its final stage following the release of the official shortlist. A select group of 25 rising talents will compete for one of the most respected youth honors in global football. This year selection gathers established teenagers already making headlines at top European clubs along with promising prospects who enjoyed breakthrough seasons. The upcoming vote promises a tight competition among the best young players in the game today.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid)

La Masia leads the way with Pau Cubarsi

Barcelona famous youth academy once again proves its status as a top talent pipeline by placing three players on the final list. Spanish center back Pau Cubarsi stands as the primary favorite to take home the trophy after securing a regular spot in the starting lineup and winning the World Cup; joining him on the nomination list are talented midfielder Marc Bernal and versatile defender Xavi Espart. Their inclusion highlights the strong development work happening within the Catalan club youth system.

Global stars compete for the top honor

The shortlist features exceptional young talents who already play important roles across major European leagues. High profile players such as Warren Zaïre Emery, Endrick, Estêvão, Franco Mastantuono and Myles Lewis Skelly bring valuable high level experience to the contest. The full list of nominees includes Ayyoub Bouaddi, Yan Diomande, Luka Vušković, Victor Froholdt, Rayan, Jorrel Hato, Lennart Karl, Junior Kroupi, Gianluca Prestianni, Konstantinos Karetsas, Saïd El Mala, Jon Martín, Finn Jeltsch, Kerim Alajbegović, Charalampos Kōstoulas, Joane Gadou and Rodrigo Mora.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Golden Boy have released their list for the 25 finalists 📋🔝

🇪🇸 Pau Cubarsí / Barcelona
🇲🇦 Ayyoub Bouaddi / Manchester City
🇫🇷 Warren Zaïre-Emery / Paris Saint-Germain
🇨🇮 Yan Diomande / Real Madrid
🇭🇷 Luka Vuškovic / Brighton
🇩🇰 Victor Froholdt / Porto
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Myles Lewis-Skelly / Arsenal
🇧🇷 Rayan / Bournemouth
🇳🇱 Jorrel Hato / Chelsea
🇩🇪 Lennart Karl / FC Bayern
🇧🇷 Estêvão / Chelsea
🇧🇷 Endrick / Real Madrid
🇫🇷 Junior Kroupi / Bournemouth
🇦🇷 Gianluca Prestianni / Benfica
🇬🇷 Kōnstantinos Karetsas / Borussia Dortmund
🇩🇪 Saïd El Mala / Köln
🇪🇸 Jon Martín / Real Sociedad
🇪🇸 Marc Bernal / Barcelona
🇧🇦 Kerim Alajbegović / Juventus
🇩🇪 Finn Jeltsch / Stuttgart
🇬🇷 Charalampos Kostoulas / Brighton
🇫🇷 Joane Gadou / Borussia Dortmund
🇵🇹 Rodrigo Mora / Roma
🇦🇷 Franco Mastantuono / Fiorentina (loan from Real Madrid)
🇪🇸 Xavi Espart / Barcelona

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 5, 2026

A benchmark for future football legends

Over the years the Golden Boy award has established itself as the premier recognition for emerging football talent across the globe. Making the final 25 man shortlist serves as a significant milestone that validates a young player rapid growth and impact on the pitch. While winning the trophy does not guarantee future success, it puts these young stars under the spotlight as fans and media await the announcement of the winner.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Transfermarkt (@transfermarkt_official)

Cover photos from: @goldenboyawards