Every Golden Boy Winner (Ranked)

The Golden Boy Award, established by Italian publication Tuttosport, is presented annually to the most outstanding under-21 player in Europe. Often regarded as a predictor of future greatness, the award has been claimed by some of football's most iconic figures since its inception.

Decided by a panel of journalists, the accolade has honored legendary names like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. The latest recipient is Lamine Yamal, who follows in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Jude Bellingham.

However, the trajectory of Golden Boy winners is far from predictable. While some have soared to incredible heights, others have struggled to meet expectations. With 22 winners to date, all have now been ranked based on their success.

Ranking Factors:

• Achievements in the year they won the award.
• Their subsequent career accomplishments.

22. Anderson – 2008

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson had an uncanny ability to elevate the performances of players, often making average ones look exceptional. While Anderson was far from average when he claimed the Golden Boy award in 2008—thanks to his meteoric rise with Porto and Manchester United—his career soon spiraled into mediocrity.

Despite spending eight years at Old Trafford, where he collected his fair share of silverware, Anderson's role diminished over time. League appearances became sporadic as he transitioned from a promising star to a peripheral figure under Ferguson and subsequent United managers.

Former teammate Michael Owen reflected on Anderson's career in 2018, suggesting the Brazilian was "too relaxed" to fulfill his potential. Anderson left United in 2015 to return to Brazil, playing for Cortiba and Internacional before a final stint with Turkish side Adana Demirspor. He retired quietly in 2019, his early promise never fully realized.

21. Anthony Martial – 2015

Monaco & Manchester United

When Anthony Martial burst onto the scene with a sensational debut goal for Manchester United against arch-rivals Liverpool, the football world took notice. His electric start earned him the Golden Boy award soon after, and with a Ballon d'Or bonus famously included in United's deal with Monaco, expectations were sky-high. Many believed Martial was destined for greatness.

While the Frenchman initially dazzled at Old Trafford, his career was ultimately derailed by persistent injuries and questions about his attitude and consistency. Once seen as a future superstar, Martial's role diminished over time. By his final season at the club, he was relegated to a peripheral squad player under Erik ten Hag. The excitement of those early days in 2015 now feels like a distant memory.

20. Mario Balotelli – 2010

Inter Milan & Manchester City

It seems it was always destined to be Mario Balotelli—charismatic, enigmatic, and impossible to ignore—even when it came to the Golden Boy Award. Balotelli claimed the honor in 2010 following Inter Milan’s historic European treble, cementing his status as one of football's brightest young talents. However, controversy seemed to follow the Italian everywhere, whether it was an endless string of parking fines or the infamous incidents that led to fans burning his shirt.

Despite flashes of brilliance and memorable moments, Balotelli ultimately fell short of the lofty expectations placed upon him. For many, his career remains a tale of unfulfilled potential, leaving fans wondering what could have been if only his mentality had matched his immense talent.

19. Renato Sanches – 2016

Benfica & Bayern Munich

Renato Sanches entered the spotlight with considerable fanfare even before his Golden Boy triumph, having already lifted the European Championship trophy with Portugal earlier that year. A technically gifted player, Sanches possesses a mesmerizing ability to manipulate the ball while dribbling. Yet, his career has been hampered by persistent inconsistency and recurring injuries, which have stalled his progression.

At just 27 years old, time is still on his side to fulfill his early promise. However, a player once tipped for greatness has yet to deliver consistently at the highest level. Now back at his boyhood club Benfica on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, there is cautious optimism that Sanches can recapture the brilliance he displayed as a teenager.

18. Joao Felix – 2019

Benfica & Atletico Madrid

João Félix, signed by Atlético Madrid for a staggering £113m from Benfica in 2019, has struggled to live up to his Golden Boy billing. As one of the most expensive teenagers in history, the weight of expectation has been evident, and his time in Madrid proved underwhelming. Despite winning Atlético’s Player of the Season award for 2021/22, his tenure was marred by inconsistency and reportedly strained relations with head coach Diego Simeone, leading to a loan move to Chelsea.

Félix’s first stint in the Premier League was far from remarkable. He received a red card on his Chelsea debut and managed just four goals in 20 appearances. A subsequent loan to Barcelona offered fleeting moments of brilliance, most notably match-winning goals against Atlético Madrid — celebrations included. However, his time at Barça was cut short, and Félix made a surprising return to Chelsea on a £46m deal, a move that reignited questions about his career trajectory.

17. Alexandre Pato – 2009

AC Milan

Sleek, speedy, and clinical in front of goal, Alexandre Pato burst onto the scene in Serie A after a £24m move to AC Milan, where he scored 51 goals in 117 league appearances for the Rossoneri. Crowned the Golden Boy in 2009, his time in Northern Italy marked the peak of his career. Since leaving Milan in 2013, Pato struggled to replicate that form, moving between clubs without ever truly settling.

After brief stints at Chelsea and Villarreal, he returned to Brazil with São Paulo. A two-year spell with MLS side Orlando City followed, but despite his nomadic career, Pato appears content. Reflecting on his journey in 2022, he remarked, "The way I see it, I have a lot of Ballon d'Ors. If life is a game, I have won."

16. Rafael van der Vaart – 2003

Ajax

With a name like Rafael van der Vaart, the Dutchman was always destined to leave an impression. The inaugural winner of the Golden Boy award, the 109-cap Netherlands international began his career at Ajax before going on to represent notable clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and Hamburg. A gifted playmaker, Van der Vaart was capable of delivering jaw-dropping goals when the mood struck him.

By the time he retired in 2018, following a brief stint with Danish side Esbjerg fB, Van der Vaart had racked up 545 appearances, 174 goals, and 120 assists. While he may not rank as the greatest Golden Boy winner of all time, his talent and contributions to the game were undeniable.

15. Mario Gotze – 2011

Borussia Dortmund

Scoring the winning goal in a World Cup final at 22 should have set the stage for a glittering career. For Mario Götze, however, the player hailed as a future superstar in 2012, his professional journey has been marked by untapped potential and persistent injuries since his iconic strike for Germany in Brazil.

Between winning the Golden Boy award and lifting the World Cup, Götze enjoyed the peak of his career, claiming back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and finishing as a Champions League runner-up. Now 32, he continues to play in the German top flight with Eintracht Frankfurt. Yet, despite his flashes of brilliance, Götze's career has fallen short of the lofty expectations set after his 2014 heroics against Argentina.

14. Isco – 2012

Malaga

Some may view Isco’s time at Real Madrid as falling short of expectations, particularly given the promise he showed early in his career. After winning the Golden Boy award a year following his move from Málaga, Isco played a pivotal role in Spain's U21 European Championship victory in 2013. While he never fully reached the heights anticipated at Madrid, where he became more of a squad player in his later years, his contribution to the team was still significant. Over nine seasons at the Bernabéu, he netted 53 goals and provided 57 assists, all while playing a role in Madrid's five Champions League victories.

After a challenging stint at Sevilla, where he publicly claimed to have been assaulted by a club director, Isco found a resurgence at Real Betis. On a free transfer in the summer of 2023, he earned nine Man of the Match awards in his first 13 La Liga games. Unfortunately, a broken fibula at the end of the season ruled him out of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, though his form at Betis suggested he was rediscovering his best.

13. Matthijs de Ligt – 2018

Ajax

The Ajax team of 2018/19 captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Under Erik ten Hag, the youthful, fearless side played with a kind of liberating freedom rarely seen in modern football, offering a refreshing break from the norm. Matthijs de Ligt was a key figure in that side, playing 55 matches for the Amsterdam club despite his young age.

However, his move to Juventus didn’t live up to expectations. The Dutch defender never quite replicated the commanding performances he had at Ajax, struggling to make the same impact at the back. His subsequent two-year spell at Bayern Munich also saw inconsistent performances, and when he made the switch to Manchester United in the summer of 2024, Bayern fans were far from pleased to see him leave.

12. Gavi – 2022

Barcelona

Gavi’s stats are truly remarkable for a 19-year-old. Having made his debut for Xavi’s Barcelona at just 16, the central midfielder has already amassed 111 senior appearances in just three seasons at the Camp Nou, contributing seven goals and 14 assists. With 26 international caps to his name, Gavi is known for his strength and composure on the ball, coupled with impressive footwork.

After securing his first La Liga title at the end of the 2022/23 season, it’s exciting to imagine just how much more he can achieve as he continues to grow. Although he’s still in the early stages of his career, especially after his ACL injury, Gavi’s potential is immense, and he’s poised to climb even higher in the years to come.

11. Paul Pogba – 2013

Juventus

Paul Pogba had proven his worth and established himself as one of the world's top central midfielders during his first stint at Juventus, scoring spectacular goals and commanding the midfield with his presence. However, a combination of indiscipline, injuries, and underperforming teams has meant that the France World Cup winner's career hasn't quite lived up to expectations since his Golden Boy win in 2013.

Regarded as one of the worst Manchester United transfers in the Glazer era, Pogba faced a four-year ban for doping breaches after returning to Juventus in 2022. His ban has since been reduced to 18 months, but he has also seen his contract mutually terminated by Juventus, and he must wait until March 2025 before he can resume his professional career.

10. Pedri – 2021

Barcelona

Pedri was awarded the Golden Boy in 2021 after making a rapid breakthrough into the Barcelona first team in 2020, and since then, his career has only soared. The Spanish midfielder possesses qualities reminiscent of both Xavi and Iniesta, with Xavi even drawing comparisons to the latter during their time together at Barcelona—a remarkable compliment for a 21-year-old.

Having secured his first La Liga title in 2023, Pedri, like his teammate Gavi, still has plenty of time to climb further in these rankings, but there’s always the potential for a drop. For now, his position in mid-table seems fair. Given his achievements so far, though, it would be surprising if he were to fall any lower.

9. Raheem Sterling – 2014

Liverpool

Born in Jamaica and raised in England, Raheem Sterling is still just 29 years old and has plenty of years ahead of him. Already a seasoned member of the Premier League's 100-goal club and a four-time champion with Manchester City, it’s clear that the winger made significant strides after winning the Golden Boy award in 2014.

While his time at Chelsea was far from ideal—though few thrived during the turbulent Todd Boehly era—it remains to be seen how he will perform at Arsenal. Nonetheless, Sterling is undeniably one of the Premier League's standout wingers in recent memory.

8. Jude Bellingham – 2023

Borussia Dortmund & Real Madrid

If we’re placing Barcelona's two recent Golden Boy winners mid-table, it only feels right that Jude Bellingham joins them in a similar position. The English midfielder had a stunning debut season for Real Madrid after moving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, registering an impressive 23 goals and 13 assists in just 12 appearances—a remarkable tally for any player, let alone a midfielder!

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has described Bellingham as a player who “plays like he’s 30,” and given his maturity on the field, the sky’s the limit for the 21-year-old from Birmingham. With numerous trophies and individual accolades within reach, Bellingham's potential remains immense. While his form has slightly dipped since winning the Golden Boy award, he still stands as one of Real Madrid’s brightest talents.

7. Lamine Yamal - 2024

Barcelona

Lamine Yamal made an immediate impact at Barcelona, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. Breaking numerous records, he has become a key figure for the Blaugrana, all while still being just 17 years old.

However, it wasn’t just his impressive performances for Barcelona that earned him the Golden Boy award; Yamal played a pivotal role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024. Scoring a stunning goal against France to help send La Roja to the final, the dynamic winger finished the tournament as the top assister with four and was named Young Player of the Tournament. Given his remarkable achievements, the 2024 Golden Boy award was always his to claim, and with his potential, the Ballon d'Or could be within reach in the near future!

6. Sergio Aguero – 2007

Atletico Madrid

"Agueroooooooooo!!" – those words, immortalized by Martin Tyler, became the defining moment of Sergio Aguero’s career. His last-minute strike to clinch the Premier League title for Manchester City in 2012 remains one of the most iconic goals in football history.

Following that unforgettable moment, Aguero’s career soared to new heights. With an impressive tally of 385 goals in 685 senior appearances, he became a true legend of the game. Add to that his extensive trophy collection and his record for the most Premier League hat-tricks, and it’s clear why he was awarded the Golden Boy in 2007. His legacy as one of the greatest strikers of his generation is firmly cemented.

5. Cesc Fabregas – 2006

Arsenal

If there’s one word that encapsulates Cesc Fabregas, it’s “deft.” Deft in his touch, passing, and overall play. He was the embodiment of elegance on the field, capable of threading intricate passes that effortlessly broke through defenses, making the difficult seem incredibly simple.

A master playmaker, Fabregas showcased his craft at Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Monaco, and for Spain, pulling the strings wherever he played. He retired in July with a remarkable 217 assists to his name, joining an elite group of players to register four assists in a single match. His exceptional technical ability and flawless passing range were a joy to watch, and under Arsene Wenger’s guidance, Fabregas flourished, solidifying his status as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

4. Erling Haaland – 2020

Bourssia Dortmund

This Nordic powerhouse is a nightmare for defenders everywhere. Erling Braut Haaland’s debut season at Manchester City was nothing short of spectacular, as he netted 52 goals across all competitions, breaking the Premier League record for most goals in a single season previously held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.

Now a treble winner at just 23, Haaland, whose physicality seems to defy the laws of nature, is poised to continue improving — a terrifying thought for any opposition. He scored the 200th goal of his senior career on his 227th appearance. Since winning the Golden Boy award while at Borussia Dortmund in 2020, Haaland has only elevated his game. The question is, has he peaked yet? We’ll let you decide.

3. Kylian Mbappe – 2017

Monaco & Paris Saint-Germain

At just 18, Kylian Mbappé didn’t merely enter the scene; he exploded onto it, making headlines as the most expensive teenager ever. A year after winning the prestigious Golden Boy award, the French forward helped lead his nation to World Cup glory, becoming the youngest player since Pele to score in a World Cup final.

Now 25, Mbappé has already collected three French Footballer of the Year titles, six Ligue 1 championships, and three French Cups. Although the Champions League continues to elude him, his age and talent suggest that time is still very much on his side as he aims to establish himself as the world’s best player.

2. Wayne Rooney – 2004

Everton & Manchester United

Pictures of a youthful Wayne Rooney proudly standing beside his blue Ford Ka at Goodison Park frequently resurface on social media. It's hard to believe that, at that age, he was already drawing the attention of some of the world's biggest clubs, including Sir Alex Ferguson, and had already won the Golden Boy award.

Refusing to be just another promising talent who fades too early, Rooney became the defining player of his generation in England. Over his 13 years at Manchester United, he claimed 16 major trophies. Surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton to become United's all-time top scorer with 253 goals was a remarkable achievement. Rooney remains a true icon of both United and England.

1. Lionel Messi – 2005

Barcelona

How could it be anyone else? Barcelona recognized his potential the moment they invested in the young Messi’s growth hormones. Groomed at La Masia from the turn of the millennium, the Argentine prodigy evolved into the undisputed best player in world football, collecting every major trophy, including the 2005 Golden Boy award.

Now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi has amassed a staggering 45 trophies throughout his career, capped by the ultimate achievement: the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With over 800 career goals in more than 1,000 appearances for club and country, the conversation isn't just about whether he's the best Golden Boy winner—it's about whether he's the greatest footballer to ever play the game. That speaks volumes.