Arsenal and England midfielder Myles Lewis‑Skelly has earned a place on the 25‑man shortlist for this year’s Golden Boy award, the prestigious accolade presented by the Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport to the most outstanding under‑21 male footballer in Europe. At just 20 years of age, Lewis‑Skelly joins a growing cohort of young talents from the Premier League who are vying for the honour, underscoring the league’s reputation as a breeding ground for the next generation of stars. The Golden Boy shortlist this season features eight players from England’s top flight, reflecting the depth of youthful quality on display across the competition.
Bournemouth and Brighton each contribute two nominees, together accounting for a quarter of the Premier League representation. Bournemouth’s hopefuls are Eli Junior Kroupi, a dynamic forward known for his pace and finishing, and Rayan Ait‑Nouri, the versatile defender who has impressed with his composure on the ball.
Brighton’s entries are Luka Vuskovic, a technically gifted midfielder with an eye for creative passes, and Charalampos Kostoulas, a robust centre‑back praised for his aerial ability and reading of the game. Chelsea also have a double representation, with Estevao Willian, a promising attacking midfielder, and Jorrel Hato, a young full‑back who has shown maturity beyond his years. Manchester City’s sole Premier League nominee is Ayyoub Bouaddi, the club’s summer signing who arrived from Ligue 1 and has already made an impact with his quick bursts and intelligent movement in midfield. Adding to the list, Arsenal’s own Myles Lewis‑Skelly rounds out the English contingent, bringing his blend of technical skill, vision, and work‑rate to the competition.
Beyond the English clubs, the shortlist showcases a truly international mix of talent. Barcelona lead the pack with three players: Pau Cubarsí, the Spanish winger who was named the best young player at the recent World Cup and is widely regarded as a future star; Marc Bernal, a creative midfielder noted for his passing range; and Xavi Espart, a versatile defender who has impressed with his tactical awareness. Their inclusion highlights Barcelona’s continued commitment to nurturing young prospects alongside their senior squad. Real Madrid contribute two names: Yan Diomande, a powerful forward with a knack for finding the back of the net, and Endrick, the Brazilian prodigy who has already made headlines for his scoring exploits at a tender age.
Paris Saint‑Germain’s representative is Warren Zaire‑Emery, a forward with a reputation for clinical finishing, while Bayern Munich’s entry is Lennart Karl, a midfield engine known for his stamina and ball‑winning abilities. Other clubs represented include Juventus with Kerim Alajbegović, Porto’s Victor Froholdt, Borussia Dortmund’s Joane Gadou and Konstantinos Karetsas, Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch, and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
The list also features Franco Mastantuono, currently on loan at Fiorentina from Real Madrid, and Jon Martin from Real Sociedad, rounding out a diverse array of emerging talents from across the continent. The history of the Golden Boy award reads like a roll‑call of modern football legends. Past winners include Rafael van der Vaart (2003), Mario Balotelli (2010), Raheem Sterling (2014), Anthony Martial (2015), Matthijs de Ligt (2018) and Jude Bellingham (2023).
Each of these players went on to achieve significant success at club and international level, setting a high bar for this year’s candidates. One notable omission from the current shortlist is Lamine Yamal, the Spanish winger who is widely tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
Yamal is ineligible for the Golden Boy because he has already secured the award in a previous season, leaving the field open for a new generation to make their mark. The Golden Boy award is more than just a trophy; it serves as a spotlight for young players who have demonstrated exceptional ability, consistency, and potential.
Inclusion on the shortlist can boost a player’s profile, attract interest from top clubs, and provide a confidence boost that often translates into further on‑field success. For Myles Lewis‑Skelly, being named among the elite under‑21 talent in Europe is a testament to his development at Arsenal, where he has become an integral part of the midfield, contributing both defensively and in attack. As the season progresses, the shortlisted players will continue to showcase their abilities in domestic leagues, European competitions, and international fixtures.
Their performances will be closely monitored by pundits, scouts, and fans alike, all eager to see who will ultimately claim the Golden Boy title. The award ceremony, traditionally held in December, will crown the player who has not only excelled statistically but also demonstrated the intangible qualities of leadership, resilience, and the capacity to influence games at the highest level.
In addition to the footballing drama, Tuttosport has added a promotional element to the award: fans can participate in the "Super 6" competition for a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available free of charge. This initiative aims to engage a broader audience and celebrate the excitement surrounding the emerging stars of European football.
The Golden Boy shortlist, therefore, represents a snapshot of the future of the sport, highlighting the players who are poised to become the next generation of global icons. Whether it is Lewis‑Skelly’s dynamic midfield play, Cubarsí’s dazzling dribbling, or Endrick’s goal‑scoring instincts, each nominee brings a unique skill set that enriches the beautiful game and promises thrilling narratives for the years ahead.