Estevão – Foto: RAFAELRIBEIRORIO I CBF
The Italian newspaper Tuttosport announced on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Rome, the 25 finalists for the Golden Boy award, which recognizes the best under-21 player of the European 2024/25 season. Estevão Willian, an 18-year-old Chelsea striker, emerges as the only Brazilian representative on the list. The award, created in 2003, is based on criteria such as birth from January 1, 2005, onward and performance in one of UEFA’s top 25 leagues.
The selection of names considers the Golden Boy Index, a ranking prepared by Football Benchmark in partnership with Tuttosport, which evaluates consistent performance in elite clubs. Estevão, trained in Palmeiras’ youth categories, joined Chelsea’s squad in August 2025, after the English team’s Club World Cup win.
🚨 The 20 finalists for the 2025 Golden Boy Award have been revealed 🔝🏆 pic.twitter.com/JuXC6nOaMk
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 15, 2025
Estevão’s path at Chelsea
Estevão signed with Chelsea in 2024 for 61.5 million euros, equivalent to about R$ 389 million at the current exchange rate. The young striker debuted in the Premier League with decisive goals, including one against Liverpool, and received praise from specialized outlets for his game vision and precise finishes.
His quick adaptation to English football included appearances in friendlies for the Brazilian under-20 team, where he scored in a recent rout. Analysts highlight his speed and dribbles as factors that position him well in the competition, alongside veterans from Palmeiras’ base who migrated to Europe.
European clubs dominate the list
Paris Saint-Germain leads with six nominees, including Désiré Doué and Warren Zaïre-Emery, who play as creative midfielders for the French team. Real Madrid follows with three names: Turkish player Arda Güler, Argentine Franco Mastantuono, and Dutch Dean Huijsen.
- Pau Cubarsí, Barcelona’s defender, is on the list as the only Catalan representative.
- Arsenal has two players: Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both promising midfielders.
- Tottenham and Manchester City contribute with Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and Nico O’Reilly, respectively.
These clubs account for 70% of the finalists, reflecting investments in youth academies in the Premier League and La Liga.
Rising stars from Real Madrid
Arda Güler, 20, has established himself in Real Madrid’s midfield with assists in Champions League games. His accuracy in long-range shots has drawn attention since joining the Spanish club in 2023.
Franco Mastantuono, a 17-year-old Argentine, stands out for his versatility, playing as a full-back or midfielder. He contributed with crucial defenses in La Liga, helping Real Madrid maintain a home unbeaten streak.
Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old Dutch defender, bolstered the defense during injuries to starters, with an 85% success rate in tackles. His physical progression makes him an option for future national teams.
The trio represents Real Madrid’s strategy of blending international talents, with Güler and Mastantuono combining for 15 goal involvements this season.
French highlights at PSG
Désiré Doué, 19, plays as a left winger and has four goals in Ligue 1. His speed in counterattacks complements PSG’s style under Luis Enrique.
Warren Zaïre-Emery, a 19-year-old midfielder, is a regular starter and occasional captain, with 92% pass accuracy in European matches. He evolved from substitute to a central piece in midfield.
Senny Mayulu, an 18-year-old striker, emerged with a hat-trick in a domestic win. His instinctive finishing makes him the club’s top under-21 scorer.
- Leny Yoro, a defender at Manchester United, adds defensive solidity to the French under-21 team.
- Eliesse Ben Seghir, at Bayer Leverkusen, contributes with precise crosses from the right wing.
- Mamadou Sarr, on loan to Strasbourg, makes his mark with interceptions in secondary leagues.
France totals six finalists, surpassing other nations in the volume of exported talents.
Criteria and history of the award
The Golden Boy requires strict eligibility: players must play in UEFA’s top leagues and cannot repeat wins, a rule that excludes Lamine Yamal, the 2024 winner. A jury of 50 European journalists will vote in November, with the announcement in December in Turin.
Since 2003, the trophy has awarded 22 players, including Lionel Messi in 2005 and Kylian Mbappé in 2017. Jude Bellingham won in 2023 for his leadership at Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
Brazilians like Alexandre Pato in 2009 and Endrick in 2024 have competed without a recent victory. The index considers metrics like minutes played and impact on wins, prioritizing consistency over isolated moments.
The award boosts careers, with 80% of winners taking starter roles in elite clubs in subsequent years.
