Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, Chelsea duo Jorrel Hato and Estêvão, and Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí feature among the 20 nominees for the 2026 Golden Boy award. The annual prize, organised by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, recognises the best young male player in European football.
Premier League Prospects on the 2026 Shortlist
English top-flight clubs secured several slots on the latest twenty-player list released by Tuttosport. Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea pair Jorrel Hato and Estêvão headline the Premier League representation.
The twenty-man shortlist spans several of Europe’s top domestic leagues, highlighting continental talent pools. Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery represents France, while Germany contributes Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl and Borussia Dortmund’s Konstantinos Karetsas. Juventus youngster Kerim Alajbegović and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni also secured nominations.
Spanish Clubs Dominate European Nominations
Barcelona claims two spots on the shortlist alongside Cubarsí through team-mate Marc Bernal. Real Madrid matches that total with nominations for Yan Diomande and Endrick. Real Sociedad defender Jon Martín completes the Spanish club contingent named by the organisers.
Previous winners of the prestigious trophy, including Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, remain ineligible to win the award a second time under competition rules, which explains their absence from the current list of nominees.
Complete List of 2026 Nominees
The twenty players under consideration for the 2026 honour comprise:
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Manchester City)
Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Yan Diomande (Real Madrid)
Luka Vuškovic (Brighton)
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich)
Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth)
Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica)
Konstantinos Karetsas (Borussia Dortmund)
Jon Martín (Real Sociedad)
Kerim Alajbegović (Juventus)
Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
Marc Bernal (Barcelona)
Jorrel Hato (Chelsea)
Estêvão (Chelsea)
Endrick (Real Madrid)
Rayan (Bournemouth)
Worth a look
