Golden Boy 2024: 10 Favourites to Win Prestigious U21 Award Including Mainoo, Garnacho

As the football season nears its climax, attention is steadily turning to footballers who have impressed and who could potentially walk away with the sport's biggest prizes.

The race to dethrone Jude Bellingham as the Golden Boy has already begun, with under-21 players across Europe showcasing their potential in their respective leagues.

From Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, there are a number of contenders for this year's award after significant impact in Europe's top tiers.

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Football

Sports Brief has looked at the top 10 favourites to take Bellingham's place on the state and claim the coveted award for themselves this year.

Top 10 favourites for Golden Boy Award

Arthur Vermeeren (19, Atletico Madrid)

Following his impressive stint with Royal Antwerp in the Belgian League, Vermeeren caught the eye of Atletico Madrid during the winter transfer window. The versatile midfielder, already capped by Belgium, has showcased his prowess in various midfield roles, making him a promising prospect.

Jorrel Hato (18, Ajax)

As reported by KhelNow, Hato has matured beyond his years, anchoring Ajax's defence with confidence and leadership. His instrumental role in the Dutch giants' resurgence from a dismal start to the season has earned him praise and recognition as a defensive stalwart.

Rico Lewis (19, Manchester City)

Lewis's swift integration into Manchester City's lineup has been a testament to his talent and potential. The energetic fullback has impressed fans and coach, Pep Guardiola, with his dynamic playing style and defensive capabilities, positioning him as a formidable competitor for a starting role.

Kobbie Mainoo (19, Manchester United)

Despite Manchester United's challenging season, Mainoo has emerged as a beacon of hope for the club's supporters. His adeptness on the ball, defensive prowess, and knack for scoring spectacular goals have earned him accolades and a spot in the English national team setup.

Savio (20, Girona)

On loan at Girona from Troyes, Savio has taken La Liga by storm with his electrifying performances on the wing. His proficiency in dribbling and direct playing style has made him a nightmare for opposing defenders, plus attracting interest from top clubs like Manchester City.

Leny Yoro (18, Lille)

Yoro's rise to prominence as one of the top defenders in the world has been remarkable. Leading Lille's defence with composure and technical finesse, he has garnered attention from European giants and is poised for a bright future in the sport.

Warren Zaire-Emery (18, PSG)

Despite limited game time last season, Zaire-Emery has become a vital cog in PSG's lineup, showcasing his exceptional passing and dribbling abilities. As evidenced by his Ligue 1 stats, consistency and impact on the pitch have solidified his position as a critical player for the French club.

Alejandro Garnacho (19, Manchester United)

Garnacho's explosive performances on the wing have injected excitement into Man United's season. His pace, dribbling skills, and flair have endeared him to fans, and his memorable overhead kick has highlighted his potential as a future star.

Joao Neves (19, Benfica)

Neves's seamless transition into Benfica's midfield has been a revelation. Despite his youth, he has displayed maturity and tactical awareness beyond his years, providing stability and creativity in midfield.

Lamine Yamal (16, Barcelona)

Yamal's meteoric rise at Barcelona has been nothing short of sensational. At just 16 years old, he has already established himself as a key player in the team, dazzling with his confidence, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess.

African players ranked in Golden Boy Award

In recent times, Yamal and Mainoo have hogged the headlines for all the right reasons.

Last week, the Golden Boy Football Benchmark Index released 100 winner candidates.