Golden boy award winners: A list of all the past winners

Over the years, the Golden Boy Award, given annually to Europe's most promising young footballer, has become a highly coveted honour. Since its introduction in 2003, the award has been given to numerous talented football players, many of whom are still popular today. In this article, we will look back at the history of the Golden Boy Awards winners.

The Golden Boy Award is given annually to the most outstanding young footballer in Europe and was created in 2003 by the Italian sports weekly Tuttosport. Nominees must be under 21 and play in Europe's highest professional league. Wonderkids are often used as a synonym for the sport's most promising young players.

Who has won the golden boy award?

Traditionally, a player can only win the award once, so once Golden Boy status has been achieved, the award ensures attention can move to other young players who deserve to be highlighted. Below is the list of golden boy award winners since 2000.

20. Gavi – Barcelona (2022)

The young Spanish footballer had a great season with Barcelona, and while some may have felt that Jude Bellingham or Jamal Musiala were more deserving, Gavi should still have been awarded the trophy. However, a vote by the press established that Gavi was the leading contender. Gavi was the Golden Boy Award winner in 2022.

19. Pedri -Barcelona (2021)

In 2021, the promising Spanish midfielder Pedri played for Barcelona and was named the league's Golden Boy. Pedri joined Barcelona from Las Palmas in 2020 when he was just 16 years old and immediately made an impact.

18. Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund (2020)

The Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund, received the Golden Boy Award in 2020. After leaving Red Bull Salzburg for Dortmund in January 2020, he almost immediately scored goals at an incredible clip. He is now excelling for Manchester City in the English Premier League.

17. João Félix - Atletico Madrid (2019)

In 2019, Portugal's Joao Félix, a forward for Atletico Madrid, received the Golden Boy Award. While playing for Benfica, Félix gained widespread recognition for his prowess, technique, and goal-scoring prowess. In 2019, he made headlines by moving from a top European club to Atletico Madrid due to his impressive play.

Félix thrived in the rigorous Spanish football league and rapidly became an essential Atletico Madrid roster member. His efforts in 2020–2021 helped Atletico Madrid win the La Liga championship.

16. Matthijs de Ligt - Ajax ( 2018)

Ajax's Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt was named 2018's Golden Boy. De Ligt's dominating on-field presence, reliable aerial skills, and keen awareness of the game allowed him to quickly rise to the status of one of the world's most promising young central defenders.

The 2018–2019 UEFA Champions League season was Ajax's best, and he was a significant reason they advanced to the semifinals. De Ligt's local and European accomplishments caught influential clubs' eye, leading to a high-profile move to Juventus in the summer of 2019.

15. Kylian Mbappé - Paris Saint-Germain (2017)

Kylian Mbappé, the French forward, won the Golden Boy Award in 2017 while playing for AS Monaco. His performances in the 2016-2017 season, both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, helped AS Monaco win the French league title and reach the semifinals of the Champions League. In 2017, he made a high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he continued to excel and establish himself as one of the top players in world football.

14. Renato Sanches - Bayern Munich (2016)

Renato Sanches, the Portuguese midfielder, won the Golden Boy award in 2016 while playing for Benfica and later Bayern Munich. He played a significant role in Benfica's success during the 2015-2016 season, helping them win the Portuguese league title.

Sanches then made a high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich in 2016, aiming to develop his skills further and impact the international stage. It established him as one of the most exciting young midfielders.

13. Anthony Martial - Manchester United (2015)

Anthony Martial, the French forward, won the Golden Boy Award in 2015 while playing for AS Monaco. His performances for Monaco in the 2014-2015 season attracted the attention of top clubs across Europe, and he made a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2015. Martial quickly became a fan favourite at Manchester United, creating an immediate impact with his goal-scoring ability and versatility in the attacking positions. His debut season with the club was awe-inspiring, as he finished as the team's top scorer.

12. Raheem Sterling - Liverpool (2014)

Raheem Sterling, the English forward, won the Golden Boy Award in 2014 while playing for Liverpool. His performances for Liverpool during the 2013-2014 season helped the team challenge for the Premier League title, finishing in second place. After his impressive season at Liverpool, Sterling made a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in 2015, where he continued to develop and establish himself as one of the top players in English football.

11. Paul Pogba - Juventus (2013)

Paul Pogba, the French midfielder, won the Golden Boy Award in 2013 while playing for Juventus. After leaving United in 2012, he joined Juventus and became a key midfield player. His performances for Juventus during the 2012-2013 season were instrumental in helping the club win the Serie A title. He has been one of the Golden Boy Award winners since 2010.

10. Isco - Malaga (2012)

Isco, the Spanish attacking midfielder, won the Golden Boy award in 2012 while playing for Malaga. Isco had a breakthrough season with Malaga in the 2011-2012 campaign, impressing with his technical skills, dribbling ability, and creativity in the final third. He played a crucial role in helping Malaga reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals that season.

9. Mario Götze - Borussia Dortmund (2011)

Mario Götze, the German midfielder, won the Golden Boy award in 2011 while playing for Borussia Dortmund. He played a significant role in Dortmund's success during the 2010-2011 season, helping the club win the Bundesliga title. Götze's performances, both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, earned him recognition and praise.

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8. Mario Balotelli - Manchester City (2010)

Mario Balotelli, the Italian forward, won the Golden Boy Award in 2010 while playing for Manchester City. His performances for Manchester City in the 2010-2011 season contributed to the club's success in winning the FA Cup and securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.

7. Alexandre Pato - AC Milan (2009)

Alexandre Pato, the Brazilian forward, won the Golden Boy award in 2009 while playing for AC Milan. His performances for Milan during the 2008-2009 season showcased his potential as a top young talent. While injuries hampered his career progression in subsequent years, Pato's Golden Boy award win highlighted his status as one of the most promising young players in world football at the time.

6. Anderson - Manchester United (2008)

In 2008, Anderson, a Brazilian midfielder for Manchester United, won the Golden Boy Award. He moved to Manchester United from Porto in 2007. His contributions were crucial to Manchester United's triumph in the 2007–08 season when they won both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

5. Sergio Agüero - Atletico Madrid (2007)

Sergio Agüero, the Argentine forward, won the Golden Boy award in 2007 while playing for Atletico Madrid. He had already gained attention for his exceptional dribbling skills, agility, and clinical finishing ability. His performances for Atletico Madrid during the 2006-2007 season showcased his immense talent and potential. His successful career continued with moves to Manchester City and Barcelona.

4. Cesc Fàbregas - Arsenal (2006)

Cesc Fàbregas, the Spanish midfielder, won the Golden Boy award in 2006 while playing for Arsenal. Despite his young age, Fàbregas had already shown exceptional talent and maturity on the field. His performances in midfield for Arsenal during the 2005-2006 season were instrumental in the team's success domestically and in European competitions.

3. Lionel Messi - Barcelona ( 2005)

Lionel Messi, the Argentine forward, won the Golden Boy Award in 2005 while playing for Barcelona. His performances for Barcelona's youth and senior teams during the 2004-2005 season caught the attention of football fans and experts worldwide. Messi's list of accomplishments is staggering.

He has won numerous domestic and international titles with Barcelona, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. Messi has also been awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, which recognizes the best player in the world, a record-breaking seven times.

2. Wayne Rooney - Manchester United (2004)

Wayne Rooney is among all golden boy awards. Rooney's contributions helped Manchester United secure the FA Cup and the Premier League title during his debut season with the club. His performances earned him individual accolades like the Golden Boy award and solidified his status as one of the brightest talents in English football.

1. Rafael van der Vaart - Ajax (2003)

Rafael van der Vaart, a former Dutch professional footballer, achieved a significant milestone in his career when he won the prestigious Golden Boy Award in 2003. At the time, he played for the renowned Dutch football club Ajax. The Golden Boy Award is an annual accolade presented to the best young footballer in Europe under the age of 21.

He also represented the Netherlands national team, earning 109 caps and scoring 25 goals. Van der Vaart retired from professional football in 2018 after achieving various trophies and appearing in the Golden Boy Award winners list.

The Golden Boy Award winners are some of the most promising young players in world football. From Rafael van der Vaart in 2003 to Pedri in 2021, each winner has made a significant impact on the sport and has played a crucial role in shaping the future of football. As the award continues to be presented annually, it will undoubtedly continue highlighting young footballers' exceptional talent and potential and contributing to the game's rich history.

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