The upcoming edition of the prestigious Golden Boy award, which recognizes the best under-21 footballer in Europe, promises to write a new chapter in the eternal rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Two young defenders, Pau Cubarsí and Dean Huijsen, are among the top contenders to claim the trophy that honors the most outstanding emerging talent of the season.

The provisional ranking, created by Tuttosport in collaboration with Football Benchmark through an innovative “humanized algorithm,” places the Barça center-back Cubarsí in second place, just behind his teammate Lamine Yamal, who tops the list but cannot win again after receiving the award last year.

Meanwhile, Huijsen, who has just joined Real Madrid after a loan spell at Bournemouth, is ranked sixth. His strong performances in the Premier League have caught the attention of experts, who see him as a key piece in the future of the Madrid side.

Real Madrid's New Signing Eyes the Golden Boy, but a Barcelona Player Could Steal It

Although Dean Huijsen arrives at the white club with high expectations, his path to the Golden Boy will not be easy. The promising Cubarsí, after an outstanding season at the heart of Barça’s defense, is a serious threat. His composure, tactical maturity, and ability to take on responsibilities at such a young age have propelled him to the forefront of this generation.

The competition doesn't end there. Other top names include Désiré Doué (PSG), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), and Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG), rounding out the top five. Also in the top ten are talents like Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) and Jorrel Hato (Ajax), all of whom have real chances.

Representing LaLiga, other standout young players include Arda Güler (13th) and Endrick (29th), both from Real Madrid, as well as Dário Essugo from Las Palmas, ranked 80th.

Several other Spanish players also made the list: Héctor Fort (Barcelona, 43rd), Jesús Rodríguez (Betis, 70th), Pau Navarro (Villarreal, 77th), and Álex Jiménez (Milan, 69th), among others.

This year’s award promises not only footballing excitement but also serves as another stage for the fierce rivalry between the two Spanish giants. Will Huijsen be the next white star to take the crown, or will Cubarsí make history with the Barça badge?