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

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

Kevin Omuya
updated at June 6, 2023 at 6:21 AM
In this article:
Italian Serie A logo
ITA Serie A
Italy
English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
England
Spanish La Liga logo
SPA La Liga
Spain

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.

Golden boy award winners
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the Copa del Rey match against Villarreal at Camp Nou on February 11, 2015, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: VI Images
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners 2023
Pablo Paez 'Gavi' of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga Santander match against Real Betis at Spotify Camp Nou on April 29, 2023, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Alex Caparros
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners list
Pedri of FC Barcelona looks on during the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final match against Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on January 25, 2023, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: David Ramos
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners since 2010
Erling Haaland of Manchester City FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match against Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2023, in Manchester, England. Photo: Mateo Villalba
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners 2023
Joao Felix, second striker of Chelsea and Portugal, during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Jose Breton
Source: Getty Images

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)

Who has won the golden boy award?
Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich in action during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on May 20, 2023, in Munich, Germany. Photo: Matthias Hangst
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners since 2000
Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the Ligue 1 match against AJ Auxerre at Stade Abbe Deschamps on May 21, 2023, in Auxerre, France. Photo: Aurelien Meunier
Source: Getty Images

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)

All golden boy award winners
Renato Sanches of Paris Saint Germain controls the ball during the Juventus v Paris Saint-Germain at Juventus Stadium on November 2, 2022, in Turin, Italy. Photo: Stefano Guidi
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award all winners
Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match against Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2023, in Manchester, England. Photo: Ash Donelon
Source: Getty Images

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)

List of golden boy award winners
Raheem Sterling of Chelsea during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on May 28, 2023, in London, England. Photo: Richard Callis
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners
Paul Pogba of Juventus Fc during warm up before the Serie A football match between Juventus Fc and Us Cremonese. Juventus Fc wins 2-0 over Us Cremonese. Photo: Marco Canoniero
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners list
Isco Alarcon of Sevilla FC looks on during the LaLiga Santander match against Real Sociedad at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on November 09, 2022, in Seville, Spain. Photo: Fran Santiago
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners since 2010
Mario Goetze of Eintracht Frankfurt reacts during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Augsburg at Deutsche Bank Park on April 29, 2023, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Photo: Alex Grimm
Source: Getty Images

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.

8. Mario Balotelli - Manchester City (2010)

Golden boy award winners 2023
Mario Balotelli of Adana Demirspor during Angelo Iervolino Trophy with Adana Demirspor, Reggina 1914 and US Salernitana at Stadio Arechi on July 30, 2022, in Salerno, Italy. Photo: Ivan Romano
Source: Getty Images

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)

Who has won the golden boy award?
Alexandre Pato (10) of Tianjin Quanjian celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the AFC Champions League Round of 16-second leg match against Guangzhou Evergrande at Tianhe Sports Center on May 15, 2018, in Guangzhou, China. Photo: Visual China Group
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners since 2000
Anderson of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group C match against Valencia at Old Trafford on December 7, 2010, in Manchester, England. Photo: Clive Mason
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners since 2010
Athletico Madrid's Argentinian Kun Aguero celebrates after scoring during their Spanish League football match against Recreativo Huelva at the Vincente Calderon stadium in Madrid on September 20, 2008. Photo: Philippe Desmazes
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners 2023
Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on August 5, 2011, in St Albans, England. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award winners since 2000
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Camp Nou on March 09, 2019, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Quality Sport Images
Source: Getty Images

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)

All golden boy award winners
Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney holds the ball during the UEFA Champions League match against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on November 5, 2013. Photo: Rafa Rivas
Source: Getty Images

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)

Golden boy award all winners
Rafael van der Vaart of Ajax during the Champions League Match against Valencia in the Amsterdam Arena on March 03, 2003, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Photo: VI Images
Source: Getty Images

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.

READ ALSO: Who is Ernie Johnson Jr., the NBA on TNT host? All the facts and details

Sports Brief recently disclosed details about Ernie Johnson Jr., a well-known sports journalist, and television personality. He is currently the host of TNT's NBA coverage, a role he has held since 1990.

He has achieved much as a sports journalist and television personality. Follow the above link to learn more about the television personality.

Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.