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The Golden Boy award is an annual honor given to the best under-21 player in Europe. Much like the Ballon d'Or, the race for the accolade is based on the performances of the players in a year and the outcome of a voting process held among selected journalists.
The award was established in 2003, with Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart picking up the inaugural edition. Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas won it in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
The Golden Boy award has gained more popularity over the last couple of years, with some incredibly talented youngsters stepping up to claim it. Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland was crowned the winner last year following some spectacular displays for BVB and Red Bull Salzburg.
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This year promises to give us another interesting edition. The 100-man Golden Boy award shortlist was announced recently, with several highly talented youngsters making the cut. With the battle set to go down the wire, we've decided to rate the five players who are most likely to come out on top.
#5 Ryan Gravenberch | Ajax, Netherlands
Ajax are known for producing highly talented and brilliant young footballers. Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs De Ligt both rose from the Johan Cruyff Arena just a few years ago and made a name for themselves across Europe. Right now, Ryan Gravenberch is following the same path.
The midfielder was a huge revelation in the Eredivisie division last season, putting up a number of eye-catching performances as Ajax strolled to claim the league title.
Thanks to his reliable efforts, Gravenberch was made a constant in the starting lineup throughout the term. The midfielder finished the campaign with five goals and six assists. He was also included in the Dutch national team for the European Championship this summer, where he earned two caps against Ukraine and North Macedonia.
#4 Jude Bellingham | Borussia Dortmund, England
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham has also had a year to be proud of. The Englishman enjoyed his breakthrough in the Bundesliga last season with a series of incredible performances for the BVB. He made 29 appearances in the league, making it into the starting eleven 19 times.
Bellingham was influential as Dortmund won the German Cup during the term, finding the back of the net twice in six games and capping it up with a solid display in the 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the final. He also impressed for England as they made it to the final of the European Championship this summer, featuring in three games.
#3 Bukayo Saka | Arsenal, England
It wouldn't be far-fetched to say Bukayo Saka was the lone bright spot for Arsenal last season. It is undeniable that the Gunners struggled massively during the 2020-21 campaign but that takes nothing away from the incredible displays of the youngster.
The 19-year-old took the Premier League by storm, pulling the strings from the center and dictating proceedings with ease while also playing on the wings if needed. Saka found the back of the net five times and set up his teammates on four separate occasions across 32 appearances in the English top-flight.
The versatile youngster was a vital figure in England's national team during the Euros this summer, although he missed a penalty in the final against Italy.
#2 Mason Greenwood | Manchester United, England
Manchester United academy product Mason Greenwood also has a decent chance to make history by winning the Golden Boy award this year. The attacker has had a spectacular year and surely deserves his spot on the list.
Greenwood impressed in front of goal last season, scoring 12 times and setting up another six in 52 games for the Red Devils across all competitions. His incredible pace, dribbling skills and goalscoring instincts are a real joy to watch.
The 19-year-old has entered the 2021/2022 season in spectacular form, scoring in each of Manchester United's Premier League games against Leeds United and Southampton so far. With such an amazing start, only time will tell how many more goals he will score in the English top-flight this season.
#1 Pedri | Barcelona, Spain
When it comes to rating the favorites for the 2021 Golden Boy award, Barcelona midfielder Pedri belongs in a class of his own. The Spaniard has been, without a doubt, the most impressive youngster in Europe since he made his debut appearance for the Blaugrana against Villarreal in September last year.
Pedri is a great joy to watch, with his incredible vision, ball retention, accurate passing and eye for goal. The midfielder finished the campaign with a record of four goals and six assists in 52 games across all competitions, which earned him a Spanish national team call-up for the European Championship this summer.
He featured in all of La Roja's six games in the tournament, amassing a total of 629 minutes on the field before taking off for the Tokyo Olympics where he also represented his nation in every game including the final against Brazil.
