The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is fast approaching, and alongside the prestigious main prize, the Golden Boy award will also be presented. This honor is given each year to the best U21 player in Europe and has long been regarded as a benchmark for future footballing greatness. However, the road to this award is not just about individual brilliance but also about how a player’s team performs in one of Europe’s top leagues.
As the Golden Boy rankings are unveiled, it’s important to consider the criteria that guide the selection process. Players eligible for the Golden Boy award must be born in 2005 or later, must play in a top European league, and can only win the award once in their career. For this reason, Lamine Yamal, the 2024 winner, is ineligible this year. Below is a breakdown of the Score 90 Top 20 Golden Boy ranking for 2025, showcasing the brightest young stars across Europe.
20. Ayyoub Bouaddi – Lille
At just 17 years old, Ayyoub Bouaddi has already made 36 appearances for Lille, including a memorable Champions League start against Real Madrid on his birthday. It was a true breakthrough season for the French midfielder, whose consistent performances have made him one to watch for the future.
19. Lucas Bergvall – Tottenham Hotspur
The Swedish star Lucas Bergvall had an incredible debut season, making 45 appearances for Spurs. He helped his team secure the Europa League trophy and even netted his first goal in a crucial EFL Cup match against Liverpool. Bergvall’s work ethic and versatility make him a key player for Tottenham moving forward.
18. Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo, an emerging talent at Manchester United, had a remarkable impact during a turbulent season for the Red Devils. He scored two key goals in the Europa League and became a prominent figure in United’s midfield. Despite an injury setback in February, Mainoo’s performances showcased his resilience and talent.
17. Tom Bischof – Hoffenheim/Bayern Munich
Having shone for Hoffenheim, Tom Bischof was snapped up by Bayern Munich this summer. At 19, Bischof has already shown that he has the quality to succeed at the highest level. His style of play in midfield is fluid, and his work rate has made him an integral part of Bayern’s future plans.
16. Senny Mayulu – PSG
At 19 years old, Senny Mayulu made a huge impact in his breakout season, scoring a crucial goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. Mayulu’s performances in PSG’s quadruple-winning campaign were key to the team’s success, and his future in European football looks exceptionally bright.
15. Rodrigo Mora – Porto
Rodrigo Mora, just 18, had a standout first season in the Primeira Liga, scoring 10 goals and assisting 4. His form in Portugal has made him one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe, with his agility and technical ability making him a constant threat for Porto.
14. Geovany Quenda – Sporting/ Chelsea
After a stellar season at Sporting CP, Geovany Quenda made a €50m move to Chelsea. The 18-year-old contributed to Sporting’s title-winning season with two goals and four assists, showcasing his technical ability and adaptability on the field.
13. Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri had an impressive season for Arsenal, registering nine goals and two assists in 37 appearances. At just 18, Nwaneri’s potential is through the roof, and he remains one of the most highly rated young English talents. His creativity and maturity on the ball set him apart from many others in his age group.
12. Leny Yoro – Manchester United
Despite an injury disrupting his debut season, Leny Yoro showcased his immense potential. The French defender has impressed under Ruben Amorim, and at just 18, Yoro’s ceiling is among the highest in Europe. His defensive solidity and ability to step forward make him a player to keep an eye on.
11. Jorrel Hato – Ajax/Chelsea
Jorrel Hato played a pivotal role at Ajax, making 50 appearances last season. The versatile defender, who can play both left-back and centre-back, contributed three goals and six assists before moving to Chelsea. His all-around performances have solidified his status as one of the best young defenders in Europe.
10. Warren Zaïre-Emery – PSG
In a midfield brimming with talent, Warren Zaïre-Emery started over 30 times for PSG’s dominant side. Despite fierce competition, Zaïre-Emery, at just 19, continues to impress with his technical ability, vision, and work rate. He is a vital cog in PSG’s future success.
9. Eliesse Ben Seghir – Monaco/Leverkusen
Eliesse Ben Seghir had a stellar season with Monaco, recording nine goals and four assists. His dribbling, creativity, and flair earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he will continue his rise as one of the most promising young talents in Europe.
8. Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in his first full season at Arsenal, making 39 appearances and filling in at left-back. His athleticism and composure were pivotal to Arsenal’s title challenge. The 18-year-old has all the tools to become a star for club and country.
7. Franco Mastantuono – River Plate/Real Madrid
With 11 goal contributions in just 22 games for River Plate, Franco Mastantuono was one of the standout talents in Argentina. At 17, he completed a move to Real Madrid, where he is already starting in La Liga. His talent and potential have made him one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
6. Estevao – Palmeiras/Chelsea
The Brazilian winger Estevao had a sensational season at Palmeiras, scoring 27 goals and providing 15 assists. His performances have made him one of the most talked-about young players in Brazil. Now at Chelsea, Estevao is already making an impact under Enzo Maresca.
5. Arda Güler – Real Madrid
At just 20, Arda Güler has already become a standout performer for Real Madrid, registering six goals and 10 assists last season. The Turkish playmaker’s creativity and vision make him one of Europe’s most gifted young creators, and he will be pivotal to Madrid’s future success.
4. Pau Cubarsí – Barcelona
Pau Cubarsí had a standout season at Barcelona, playing 56 matches as the Catalans reclaimed the La Liga title and reached the Champions League semi-finals. At just 17, Cubarsí’s performances against Europe’s best forwards demonstrate his maturity and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
3. Kenan Yildiz – Juventus
Kenan Yildiz had an incredible season with Juventus, contributing nine goals and six assists despite the team’s struggles. The Turkish forward was their standout attacking player and is undoubtedly one of the most promising young talents in Europe.
2. Dean Huijsen – Bournemouth/Real Madrid
Dean Huijsen had an outstanding season with Bournemouth, which earned him a move to Real Madrid. Known for his composure and defensive range, the 20-year-old has quickly adapted to life at Madrid and is considered one of Europe’s brightest centre-back prospects.
1. Desiré Doué – PSG
The standout winner of the 2025 Golden Boy award, Desiré Doué had a sensational debut season with PSG. With 15 goals and 14 assists, Doué played a crucial role in PSG’s Champions League victory and domestic treble. At just 19, he has already established himself as PSG’s new star and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the world.
