The list of the 25 finalists for the 2025 Golden Boy, the prestigious award presented by Tuttosport to the best footballer under 21, has reignited the eternal rivalry among Europe’s elite clubs. In this edition, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain lead the nominations with three representatives each, while Barcelona only has one player included: Pau Cubarsí, one of LaLiga’s brightest young prospects.

The reign of Yamal finds its successors

After Lamine Yamal’s triumph in 2024, the trophy is looking for a new owner, as the Barça winger is ineligible to win it again. In his absence, the spotlight shifts to new rising stars making their mark this season. The big favorite, according to the French press, is midfielder Désiré Doué, a key figure for PSG, who lifted the Champions League title in June. Alongside him, teammates Warren Zaïre-Emery and Senny Mayulu complete the French champion’s impressive trio.

Representing Real Madrid, three standout talents are in contention: Arda Güler, who has shined every time he’s played under Xabi Alonso; center-back Dean Huijsen, one of the club’s most promising defensive bets; and Franco Mastantuono, the young Argentine prodigy already making waves in Europe.

Cubarsí, Barcelona’s lone representative, earned his spot thanks to his maturity and leadership in the Blaugrana defense despite his youth. His inclusion keeps Barcelona in the conversation about European football’s future, though this year the Catalans’ presence is much more modest.

Europe votes for the future

The winner of the 2025 Golden Boy will be announced in mid-November, following a vote by 50 European media outlets based on the Football Benchmark Index, an algorithm that evaluates performance, minutes played, team impact, and long-term potential. The Italian outlet also added five “wild card” entries to correct possible omissions: Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Rodrigo Mora (Porto), Giovanni Leoni (Liverpool), and Aleksandar Stanković (Club Brugge).

With nine representatives, the Premier League is the most dominant league on the list, followed by LaLiga with four. France and England also lead by nationality, each with five players featured.

While PSG and Real Madrid battle to crown Europe’s next big star, Barcelona watches from afar, clinging to Cubarsí’s promise. Everything points to the 2025 Golden Boy becoming yet another duel between the academies shaping the future of European football.