Where Are They Now: Golden Boy Award Winners (2014–2024)

In the second half of my two-part series, the last decade of Golden Boy winners has continued the tradition of producing polarising outcomes for football’s brightest young talents. Although all the players featured remain involved in the sport, these former breakout stars have experienced widely varying levels of success under the immense weight of expectation. In an era defined by hyperbolic headlines and social media scrutiny, the pressure on young prodigies to continuously evolve has never been higher, regardless of the context surrounding their careers. In a footballing landscape that has become ruthlessly sink-or-swim, here’s how the most recent recipients of the Golden Boy award have fared.

Another prodigy burdened by the weight of early brilliance, Raheem Sterling is a player whose greatness may only be fully understood when his journey reaches its final chapter. A haunting example of how modern football consumes its brightest stars, his career appears to be fading at the age of just thirty. Yet recent struggles in London must not obscure the truth of his peak. At his finest, Sterling was unplayable. Stationed on the wing, he possessed blistering acceleration, dazzling footwork and relentless off-the-ball movement. For over a decade, he was among the most tireless runners in the Premier League, a forward who pressed, harried and sprinted with unmatched conviction. As he matured, his composure improved and his link-up play evolved, transforming him into a complete attacking threat. A star who erupted too early, his decline has arrived sooner than many had feared.

Sterling’s ascent began in 2010, when he left QPR for Liverpool’s academy. In March 2012, at only seventeen, he became the club’s third-youngest debutant. Opportunities first came in flashes, yet every appearance showcased raw electricity and fearlessness on the ball. By 2013, he had entered football’s consciousness, with a whirlwind of speed, close control and daring runs. The foundations of superstardom had been laid, and he looked destined to explode onto the global stage.

Carrying the ball with a velvet touch, Sterling emerged as one of Europe’s most captivating attackers. Crowned Golden Boy in 2014, he had officially arrived. After achieving individual acclaim at Liverpool, he signed for Manchester City in 2015 for a fee that made him England’s most expensive footballer. Under Pep Guardiola, he evolved once more, refining his instincts in the penalty area and becoming a ruthless finisher. With 131 goals in 339 appearances, he established himself as an elite offensive force, his movement and timing making him near impossible to contain. Team honours flowed, as did personal accolades, including a place in the 2019 PFA Team of the Year.

At his zenith, Sterling was regarded as a near world-class talent, the second most valuable footballer on the planet at one point. Yet as expectations soared, criticism followed. His inability to breach the final tier of football’s elite fuelled an often unfair narrative. From national scapegoat to vile media scrutiny, his journey was scarred by treatment unbecoming of a player who carried his country’s hopes on the international stage.

As he entered his late twenties, signs of decline crept in. No longer essential to Manchester City’s plans, he departed for Chelsea, chasing a fresh resurgence. The electric dribbler of his Liverpool youth remained, but the clinical edge of his Manchester prime had faded. Two underwhelming seasons passed, followed by an unfruitful loan to Arsenal. Now back at Chelsea, he finds himself adrift, a once-pivotal figure now struggling for minutes.

Sterling’s story may stand as one of the early cautionary tales of modern football’s ruthless schedule. With over five hundred senior appearances before turning thirty, his burnout reflects the brutal toll placed on the sport’s youngest stars. A flame that burned too fiercely, too soon, his recent years must not eclipse the player he once was. For a time, Raheem Sterling was unstoppable, a footballer who danced past defenders and carried clubs on his back. The legacy of that version must never be forgotten.

Another victim of the weight of the world’s expectations, Anthony Martial was a star that never truly shone, following his high-profile move to Manchester United. Touted as a prodigy at only six years old, his speed, power, and technical ability resembled fellow French forward Thierry Henry. Whether blazing up the left flank or stationed as the central striker, the Frenchman wreaked havoc for defenders.

After progressing through Lyon’s academy, it wasn’t until the 2014–15 campaign with AS Monaco that he truly announced himself, netting 12 goals across 48 appearances. His breakthrough season earned him a call-up to the French national team and a £36 million move to Manchester United that September. The highest transfer fee for a teenager at the time, the move looked to be an instant bargain following a famous match-winner against Liverpool on debut.

Four goals in his first four games, life couldn’t have started any better for the naturally gifted forward, as he finished the season as the club’s top goal scorer. Unfortunately, the 2016–17 season marked the beginning of a gradual decline, with his performances dipping and his place in the starting eleven increasingly under threat. Pressure mounted, off-field distractions emerged, and the rare talent that had once lit up Old Trafford began to falter.

A mercurial talent on his day, Martial drifted in and out of the team over the following seasons, offering only fleeting glimpses of the brilliance that had made him so highly touted. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, he briefly rediscovered form, scoring 23 goals across 48 appearances in a career-best campaign. But injuries and lapses in consistency soon returned, and the French enigma fell out of favour under Erik Ten Hag. Following brief spells at Sevilla and AEK Athens, the former wonderkid now plies his trade in Mexico for Monterrey.

A career shaped by injuries and inconsistency, Martial offered fans only fleeting glimpses of the brilliance that once promised superstardom, eventually earning the tag of a ‘confidence player’. While he never fully reached the heights many envisioned, those electrifying flashes in red and white will linger in memory, a tantalising hint of what might have been.

In 2016, there was no doubt that Renato Sanches was Europe’s hottest prospect, with a standout campaign at the European Championships launching him into the football stratosphere. Lauded for his physical presence, versatility, and dominance in midfield, the Portuguese international exuded a level of coolness and composure well beyond his years. Whether deployed deep to shield the defence or further forward to drive attacks, Renato’s intensity was likened to Clarence Seedorf.

A mixed debut campaign, Benfica B, Renato Sanches’ breakthrough to European superstardom commenced in the 2015–16 season. Having spent time with the reserves and youth squad, the powerful midfielder established himself as a key member of the first team by early December, receiving praise for his commanding presence and long-range shooting. A stellar season, which included a domestic double, saw the creative midfielder’s stock soar, earning him a spot in Portugal’s squad for the UEFA European Championships.

That tournament would alter the trajectory of Renato’s career forever, with the gifted midfielder affirming his rise to the pinnacle of European football. Impressive performances in the group stages and round of 16 earned him a starting spot in the quarter-final against Poland, making him the youngest Portuguese player to start in a major tournament. Another standout performance saw him earn back-to-back man of the match honours, as Renato reaped praises for his stamina, intensity and drive. Earning Young Player of the Tournament honours, he was instrumental to Portugal’s shocking triumph, as the nation lifted its first major trophy.

Having signed with German giants Bayern Munich in May, the Bavarians were salivating at the talent they had on their doorstep. The most expensive Portuguese player to leave the domestic league, Renato, signed with the Bundesliga club for €35 million, with an additional €45 million tied to performance-related clauses. Recovering from an injury and competing for gametime with established stars, the Golden Boy recipient endured a difficult first 12 months in Germany, failing to record a single goal or assist across 25 appearances.

His tragic downfall continued heading into 2017, when he joined Premier League side Swansea City on loan. Tasked with gaining game time, Renato again struggled to adapt to his new environment, making several notorious mistakes that drew criticism from manager Carlos Carvalhal, who questioned his commitment. Another serious injury ended his season prematurely as he returned to Germany for rehabilitation.

Back at Bayern Munich, Renato briefly showcased the skill and drive that made him so highly regarded, finally scoring his first goal for the club in September 2018. Unfortunately, the dynamic midfielder failed to build on his patches of form, eventually demanding a transfer from the club due to a lack of game time.

Away from the spotlight and lofty expectations, the explosive midfielder enjoyed a career resurgence in the north of France for Ligue 1 club LOSC Lille. Away from Bayern’s possession-heavy system, Renato thrived in the more direct French league style, driving forward and controlling the tempo in midfield. His performances were pivotal to Lille’s 2021 league title, the club’s first in a decade, and earned him a recall to the Portuguese national team. Back on the European stage, Renato swiftly reasserted himself as a linchpin in Fernando Santos’ lineup, as Portugal reached the round of 16 in a disappointing title defence.

Unfortunately, the career revival of Renato Sanches was only a vivid dream, as a €10 million move to PSG halted his resurgence. Again struggling to adapt to a possession-based style of football, Luis Enrique deemed Renato surplus to requirements. Failing to adjust to the tactical demands of the perennial French champions, the once fearless midfielder has since endured disappointing loan spells in Greece, Italy and back home for Benfica. As of writing, Renato’s future at the top level remains uncertain.

A roller coaster of a career, Renato’s journey is a stark reminder of how fragile the path from prodigy to superstar can be. Moments of brilliance and a tournament for the ages hint at what might have been, but inconsistency, injuries, and ill-timed moves have left fans pondering the unfulfilled potential of one of Europe’s most tantalising talents

One of the defining stars of his generation, Kylian Mbappé’s ascension to football’s highest echelon seems inevitable. Blistering speed, hypnotic dribbling and clinical precision in front of goal place him among the greatest of his era, poised to inherit the throne once occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Despite a Ballon d’Or still absent from his cabinet, the Frenchman’s coronation feels like a matter of time. With an elegant first touch and agile feet perfectly matched to his explosive pace, he thrives both as a winger and centre forward, combining creativity, skill and lethal finishing to dominate any attacking role. A standard-bearer for French football, his meteoric rise has drawn comparisons to Pelé, while his style evokes memories of Thierry Henry.

Mbappé’s meteoric rise began in Monaco, where he made his professional debut in 2015. At just 16, he became the youngest player in the club’s history, and within months, the youngest scorer as well. His breakthrough was swift and spectacular, as he played a starring role in Monaco’s legendary 2016–17 campaign, scoring against Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus in the Champions League, and helping his team claim their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years. With freedom to express himself on the pitch, the French prodigy quickly became one of Europe’s most talked-about talents, earning a high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain that would cement his place among football’s elite.

Joining PSG for €180 million, he became the most expensive teenager and the second-most expensive player ever, alongside Neymar, sending shockwaves through the football world. In Paris, Mbappé dominated for over half a decade, collecting five Player of the Year awards in six seasons. As trophies and accolades mounted, the absence of European glory weighed heavily. Rumours of a desire to depart France swirled until 2024, when the French sensation finally signed for Real Madrid, leaving PSG as their all-time leading scorer and a modern icon.

His tenure in Spain, though lacking major team honours, has been defined by goals and moments of individual brilliance. Despite scrutiny under the heavy weight of expectation, Mbappé continues to flourish in front of goal, securing the Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Shoe in his debut season. The 2025–26 campaign has begun spectacularly, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s best, and individual awards are likely to follow should Real Madrid reclaim continental supremacy.

Mbappé’s ascent into football folklore wouldn’t be complete without a look at his time for ‘Les Blues’. The 2018 World Cup catapulted him from elite prospect to once-in-a-generation talent. Only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final, he was a pivotal figure in France’s triumph. By 2022, he had become the face of an era, leading his side to the final once again. Though the match ended in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss, Mbappé scored a hat-trick in an unforgettable performance. A handful of goals away from becoming France’s all-time top scorer, his legacy on the global stage is already secured, with the final chapters of his career set to define his rank among football’s immortals.

Few players have shouldered expectations as immense as Mbappé’s and continued to flourish. In an era where young stars often burn too brightly too early, the French enigma has matured with grace, sharpening his efficiency and composure in front of goal. Never intimidated by the world’s biggest stages or the fiercest pressure, his rise to the pinnacle of global football feels imminent. In a career already brimming with moments of pure magic, Kylian Mbappé stands tall among the most prestigious and extraordinary footballers of his time.

Perhaps yet to reach the world-class levels expected of him, the future is still bright for Matthijs de Ligt, as he enters his prime. The first and only defender to ever receive the Golden Boy award, De Ligt was one of the most highly regarded prospects in world football in 2018, earning comparisons to the likes of Gerard Piqué, Paolo Maldini, and Fabio Cannavaro. The Dutch native showed the composure and maturity well beyond his years, showcasing the ability to read the game and comfort on the ball associated with midfielders. A towering figure in any backline, the Dutchman’s tactical positioning, man-to-man marking and one-on-one defensive duels were world-class, earning him widespread appeal. Demonstrating the physical strength and commanding presence to marshal a backline, he has been hailed as a natural leader from the moment his professional journey began.

Debuting for Ajax’s senior team in September 2016, Matthijs quickly entrenched himself in the backline, becoming the youngest player to feature in a Europa League final. By the 2017–18 season, he was a guaranteed starter, receiving the captain’s armband for the first time in March 2018. The youngest captain in the club’s history, the technically gifted centre-back quickly attracted the interest of Europe’s elite, while showcasing his physical dominance alongside Virgil van Dijk for the Netherlands.

The 2018–19 season would mark his final campaign in Amsterdam, headlined by the club’s famous run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. A team flowing with generational talent, the intelligent defender secured his side’s spot in the last four with a thunderous header against Juventus. A complete defender with the technical quality to control the tempo of a game, the defender was a rare talent emerging from his generation.

In July 2019, De Light signed with Serie A champions Juventus for a reported €75 million, with additional costs increasing the eventual fee to €85.50 million. The third most expensive defender transfer of all time, the Dutch centre-back struggled to live up to the price tag, struggling to adapt to the slower pace of Italian football. Accustomed to the daring, risk-embracing style of Ajax, he grappled with the conservative style of defending under Andrea Pirlo and Massimiliano Allegri, where he would be required to sit deep and absorb pressure. No longer the key voice of his team, his Juventus stint exposed certain flaws in his game, with inconsistencies blamed on lapses of concentration and unforced errors.

In 2022, the talented defender signed for Bayern Munich, enjoying an imperious first season in Bavaria. Injuries limited gametime in his second season in Germany, leading to him dropping down the pecking order. No longer an undisputed starter, it soon became clear the Dutch international had lost a step. His once razor-sharp speed and agility dulled, reportedly a byproduct of increased muscle mass. With new manager Vincent Kompany favouring quicker options in Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae, De Ligt was once again on the move.

Signing for Manchester United, the composed defender has endured a mixed start to life in England. The English giants have endured a tumultuous 12 months domestically, with recent form showing no indication that a resurgence is on the horizon. Amid the chaos, De Ligt has quietly continued to refine his game, showing the maturity and composure that once made him one of the most coveted prospects in world football.

Although often subjected to intense criticism in line with the astronomical expectations set for him, De Ligt has consistently shown the defensive discipline and class to justify his Golden Boy pedigree. Yet to become the final product, the sky’s still the limit for this commanding Dutchman.

At one point heralded for his technical artistry, João Félix has endured one of the most fascinating career journeys of any player on this list. Highly skilful and versatile in attack, João Felix has thrived when given the freedom to roam. With an eye for goal, precise passing and mesmerising dribbling ability, the Portuguese international showed all the talent required to become the Iberian nation’s next international megastar. Incredibly clever and impactful in tight spaces, the forward’s moments of brilliance throughout his ascent earned him comparisons to the likes of Kaká and Rui Costa.

Initially developing at FC Porto’s youth academy, the technical prodigy moved to arch-rivals Benfica in 2015, debuting for the reserve grade team the following year. Come the 2018–19 season, Félix was promoted to Benfica’s first team, making his debut in August. Quickly rising in importance for the team, João was taking Europe by storm, earning Primeira Liga Best Young Player of the Year honours. Operating as a second striker, the sublime virtuoso flourished creatively, delivering standout performances domestically and in Europe. Headlined by an impressive hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt, João Félix looked set to be football’s next superstar, as he was positioned as one of the most promising talents of his generation. A significant moment in the technician’s career, João Félix signed a seven-year contract with Atlético Madrid for a transfer fee of €126 million. The fourth-highest transfer fee ever paid in football, the stage was set for the gifted talent to establish his position amongst football royalty.

The ascent of his breakthrough and commencement of his decline, the outrageous transfer sum weighed heavily over João’s head throughout his complicated tenure in red and white. Injuries, tactical adjustments and mental challenges plagued his early seasons in Spain, with Diego Simeone struggling to find an ideal position for the mesmerising dribbler. Bouncing between roles as a right winger and second striker, Félix noticeably struggled to adapt to Atlético’s defensively disciplined system. Unable to consistently create chances on attack and often failing to fulfil his off-ball responsibilities in defence, many pundits were quick to label his transfer a disappointment.

In 2020, Félix showed renewed promise, earning La Liga Player of the Month in November, but injuries again limited his impact, and competition from teammates curtailed his minutes. Although Atlético won the league, his season was regarded as another missed opportunity. The following campaign appeared to offer a revival, with Félix winning the club’s Player of the Year award. Yet his relationship with Simeone deteriorated, and he requested a move, leaving fans with flashes of his talent but persistent doubts about his development.

In the story of his career, João’s flashes of football artistry failed to justify his output and poor work ethic. A loan move to Chelsea in January 2023 offered a chance to reset, but his limited impact meant the club chose not to make the transfer permanent. Returning to Atlético, Félix found himself training with the reserves amid a public dispute with Sporting Director Andrea Berta. A subsequent loan to Barcelona, his childhood club, appeared ideal and once again, a catalyst for a career renaissance. Praised for sharp finishing and control of play, he briefly showed the qualities that once made him one of Europe’s most heralded prospects. However, the revival was short-lived, and he returned to Atlético the following season.

In the next step of a bizarre journey, the Portuguese international shockingly returned to Chelsea on a permanent deal. A bewildering move, given the nature of his first stint and the array of talent already at the London club’s disposal, the gifted attacker scored seven goals in 20 games before joining AC Milan on a six-month loan in January 2025. While he continued to tease mesmerising skill and intelligent playmaking, consistent output remained elusive. Isolated incidents, such as a confrontation with Kyle Walker, highlighted the difficulties he has faced in fulfilling his early promise.

As of writing, the flairy maestro is plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, after a romantic return to Benfica failed to materialise. While he has performed well, playing outside Europe at just twenty-five is a stark contrast to the expectations set during his early rise.

In a career that has spanned multiple continents and provided a plethora of headlines, the Portuguese maestro’s greatness has never truly ascended from mere glimpses of superstardom. Still in the prime, who knows what the future holds for the once generational talent. Will the flashes of football beauty remain teasers of what could’ve been? Only time will tell.

At just twenty-five years of age, Erling Haaland stands on the verge of immortality, destined to be remembered as one of the most devastating strikers the sport has ever witnessed. A phenomenon of frightening efficiency, he is revered among the finest of his era, a footballing executioner with a goalscoring instinct few in history can replicate. Whether bulldozing through defenders with raw strength or ghosting into space with explosive bursts, the Norwegian has evolved into the complete forward. Inside the penalty area, he is ruthless. Outside it, he carries the power to ignite thunderous strikes from a distance. Every touch carries intent; his towering frame and supreme spatial awareness turn him into a constant nightmare for any defence. Rarely has a single player inspired such fear through mere presence.

His ascent began in modest surroundings at Bryne, before a move to Molde in 2017 began to hint at the ferocity that would later define him. The true awakening arrived at Red Bull Salzburg, where he erupted onto the international radar. A staggering nine-goal haul against Honduras at the Under-20 World Cup introduced the world to his relentless hunger, a warning shot of what was to come.

In 2019, Borussia Dortmund became the next stage of his breakthrough. A debut hat-trick lit the fuse, and soon the Bundesliga was helpless to contain him. 86 goals in 89 games turned him into the most feared marksman in Europe. With brute force blended with unnerving composure, he shattered records at will and forced the world’s elite to take notice. With the football world circling, Erling decided to join the club where his father once honed his craft. Signing for Manchester City, the Norwegian had not only arrived on the global stage, but he sat in the top echelon of football royalty.

It was in sky blue that Haaland ascended to legend status, becoming a player who would define his era of football. His debut Premier League season became folklore, obliterating long-standing records and propelling Manchester City to their first UEFA Champions League title. Guiding the club to a historic treble, Erling cemented his position in football’s pantheon. As the team accolades piled up, the individual honours poured in: PFA Players’ Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Season, European Golden Shoe, and the Gerd Müller Trophy. Now deep into his reign in England, he continues to redefine the role of a striker, sharpening his link-up play while maintaining a finishing standard previously unseen on English soil.

Whether one questions his artistry or not, his end product is indisputable. Haaland is not a forward to be debated; he is a force to be endured. In an era obsessed with aesthetics, his legacy will be measured not in opinions but in numbers. When the final whistle of his career sounds, the record books will speak louder than anyone.

At just 22 years of age, Pedri possesses all the tools necessary to become a generational talent, more than worthy of his Golden Boy status. With exceptional ball control, creative intelligence, hypnotic dribbling, and tireless work rate, the Spanish sensation is already regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. Playing as a winger in the early stages of his career, the versatile player was eventually given the license to roam freely in the centre of the park, thriving as a traditional number 8. Sharp-minded and inventive, Pedri has shown an uncanny knack for dissecting defensive lines and threading passes few others would dare attempt. Not just heralded for his artistry in possession and impact in tight spaces, the Spanish maestro offers relentless pressing and discipline out of possession. His slight frame, versatility and technical brilliance have drawn natural parallels with Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta.

Before his move to Catalonia, Pedri made his professional debut for Las Palmas, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goal scorer at 16 years and nine months. His 2020 transfer to the Spanish giants marked the start of his meteoric rise, taking him mere weeks to cement himself as a key figure in the first team. Debuting that September against Villarreal, the generational prodigy racked up 52 appearances across all competitions during the 2020–21 season, becoming the second youngest player to reach the half-century mark for Barcelona. One of the strongest breakthrough campaigns in recent memory, the tireless workhorse quickly emerged as the heartbeat of Barça’s engine room, instantly becoming indispensable to the side.

His rapid ascent continues on the international stage, where he became the youngest player to represent Spain at the European Championships. Playing all but one minute of the tournament, he was deservedly named Young Player of the Tournament, delivering mature, composed performances that belied his age. Any doubts about Barcelona’s next midfield superstar were firmly put to rest.

“He reminds me a lot of Andres Iniesta. If we’re talking about pure talent, Pedri is the best [prospect] in the world. He is a wonderful player. I haven’t seen many talents like him.”

Then Barcelona manager Xavi on the brilliance and rise of Pedri

Since his 2021 breakthrough, Pedri has continued to evolve, sharpening his spatial awareness and decision-making with each passing season. Now one of the first names on the team sheet, he orchestrates the rhythm of games with metronomic precision and veteran-esque composure under pressure. A relentless competitor and natural leader, he is notoriously difficult to dispossess and has become the central reference point in Barcelona’s play. The demanding schedule of 2021 took a toll on his body, with injuries briefly slowing his rise, but under Flick’s guidance, he returned fitter and more influential than ever. His finest campaign to date saw him crowned The Athletic’s La Liga Player of the Year, as Barcelona lifted the 2024–25 league title.

With his playmaking genius and mythical vision earning greater plaudits, Pedri’s star continues to shine bright. One of the most influential players in the modern game, there is no doubt that Pedri’s current trajectory could see him go down as not only one of the best midfielders of his generation, but perhaps one of the best the sport has ever seen.

The second consecutive La Masia to claim the Golden Boy, Gavi’s career has so far been defined by cruel twists of fate, as it has been for moments of brilliance. After a short stint at Real Betis, the dynamic midfielder has spent his entire career to date at Barcelona, rising through the academy ranks to earn his first professional contract in 2020. After a brief spell in the Barcelona B side, the Spaniard was officially promoted to the senior squad ahead of the 2021–22 pre-season. Strong performances against Girona and VfB Stuttgart caught the eye of then-manager Ronald Koeman.

His debut that August marked the beginning of a meteoric rise, with the versatile player quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Catalan club. Making 47 appearances across all competitions, Gavi quickly showed his technical precision and tactical prowess, exhibiting a level of maturity well beyond his years. Instantly drawing praise from across Europe, he earned a call-up to the Spanish national team, debuting in their UEFA Nations League semi-final against Italy. Breaking through at such a young age, the hot prospect rewrote the history books, becoming the youngest player to represent the Mediterranean country at senior level, as well as their youngest ever goal scorer.

Showing shades of Xavi and Iniesta in his game, the skilful midfielder’s prodigious talent was recognised at an early age, claiming the Golden Boy award after just one full season in top-flight football. Touted as a future star, his effortless dribbling, sharp agility, and immaculate first touch made him a menace in possession, while his anticipation and intelligence without the ball showcased a rare versatility.

A pure joy to watch at his best, Gavi’s greatest hurdle in his young career has been staying on the pitch. In late 2023, his rapid ascent was halted by a devastating ACL tear, leaving him out of action for nearly a whole year. Receiving a standing ovation upon his return, the technically gifted midfielder enjoyed a strong comeback to senior football, capped by Barcelona successfully reclaiming their La Liga crown.

Unfortunately, the 2025–26 campaign has brought fresh heartbreak, with Gavi suffering another right knee injury. Following several medical assessments, surgery was deemed necessary, with the injury set to sideline him for four to five months. Already the second serious knee injury of his young career, there are genuine concerns over the La Masia graduate’s long-term durability.

One of the most complete and passionate midfielders in the sport today, it would be a travesty to Barcelona and Spanish football if Gavi were to never reach his full potential. But make no mistake, if his past resilience is any indication, this latest setback is merely another chapter in the story of a player destined to define an era.

Although much of Jude Bellingham’s story is yet to be written, the midfielder has already forged a highly decorated career that most footballers could only dream of replicating. Blessed with sublime ball control and the physical presence to dominate midfields, the Englishman has earned widespread acclaim for his versatility, seamlessly excelling in both defensive and attacking roles. A complete midfielder, he is just as effective driving up the pitch as he is threading the final pass to unlock a defence.

His professional career began at Birmingham City, playing a single season for the ‘Blues’ before Borussia Dortmund came calling. At a reported £25 million, Jude made the move official in August 2020, enjoying a record-breaking three-season stint in the famous yellow and black. Quickly establishing himself as a definite starter, it didn’t take long for the exceptional talent to justify his price tag, racking up 49 goal contributions in 132 appearances. A relentless worker and natural leader, he was handed the captain’s armband while still a teenager, displaying a maturity well beyond his years and signalling the momentous ascent of a superstar.

Continuing to refine and elevate his game week after week, the 2022–23 season marked the pinnacle of his breakthrough, as he was crowned both the Golden Boy and Bundesliga Player of the Season. A physical monster on defence and possessing the quick wit and vision to quickly transition into attack, Jude epitomised the modern midfielder. In a move that seemed inevitable, the fearless superstar signed for Real Madrid in the European summer of 2023, becoming just the sixth Englishman to represent Los Blancos.

A game-changer from the moment he set foot in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti deployed Bellingham further up the field, in a move that paid instant dividends. Bursting onto the La Liga scene, Jude found the net ten times in his first ten matches for Madrid, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. Transforming Real Madrid’s midfield with his exceptional finishing and immense movement, he’s opening two months in Spain included a 95th-minute winner against Getafe and a legendary performance in his first El Clásico. Scoring a brace against Barcelona, if it wasn’t abundantly clear before, it was now — Jude Bellingham is world-class.

Despite silverware still eluding him, the former La Liga player of the season recipient has already delivered his fair share of iconic moments in the ‘Three Lions’ shirt. Earning his first senior call-up in November 2020, the explosive talent eventually established himself as a crucial figure in the England lineup, following standout performances at the European Championships in 2021 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Come the Euros in 2024, he was the poster boy for English football, with his round of 16 winner against Slovakia, his finest moment to date.

Already regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, Bellingham’s ability to thrive anywhere on the pitch makes his ceiling almost limitless. A story that is still in its early chapters, the Englishman is rapidly shaping a legacy defined by maturity beyond his years, a relentless work ethic, and moments of brilliance that leave fans and pundits alike in awe.

Don’t be fooled by the year; despite being the youngest player on this list, Lamine Yamal is arguably the best footballer in the world right now. A product of Barcelona’s legendary La Masia academy, the technically gifted winger quickly established himself as a once-in-a-generation talent through his sublime flair, ingenious creativity, and long-range shooting ability.

Viewed as one of the brightest prospects in Barcelona’s academy, it didn’t take long for the exceptional talent to announce himself to the world, debuting in 2023 for the senior team. An elite dribbler, the winger’s breakthrough to superstardom was instantaneous, earning a standing ovation in his first start and receiving man of the match honours in his next starting appearance. Making 50 appearances across all competitions, the Kopa Trophy recipient rewrote the history books, becoming Barcelona’s youngest La Liga starter, assister and scorer. The records continued on the continental stage, becoming the youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League and the youngest to feature in the knockout phase.

An astonishing debut season, which included a domestic treble, Yamal’s ascent to global superstardom was cemented during the 2024 European Championships, as Spain were triumphant. His playmaking, crossing precision, and deadly finishing from distance proved instrumental, as Spain was crowned champions. A legendary run to the final, the electrifying attacker earned Young Player of the Tournament honours.

Earning Golden Boy honours in late 2024, the transcendent prodigy has continued to refine his game in 2025. Growing in importance at Barcelona, Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in El Clásico history. With each game he played, the plaudits grew louder and louder as his meteoric rise carried echoes of Lionel Messi’s ascent, with the adoption of the famous number 10 jersey. Ranked second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, many believe it is only a matter of time before he claims the ultimate individual prize.

Heralded as a future icon of the sport, Yamal’s early accomplishments are staggering. Touted as the greatest teenage footballer of all time, the sky is truly the limit for this special talent. With dazzling skill, extraordinary ability, and a fearless approach to the game, he has all the tools to not only live up to his Golden Boy status but to surpass it and etch his name among football’s all-time greats.

Learn more about the fate of the first eleven Golden Boy recipients here.