Ivorian international and Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande has been named among the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy Award following his impressive breakthrough season with RB Leipzig.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a standout campaign in the Bundesliga, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists before completing his high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer.
Diomande’s performances attracted interest from several European heavyweights, including Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, but Real Madrid eventually secured his signature in a club-record deal worth €140 million including add-ons.
The winger’s rise also earned him international recognition with Ivory Coast. He was part of the Elephants’ squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding a major international tournament appearance to an already impressive year.
His nomination comes as recognition of a season in which he established himself as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in European football.
Diomande is joined on the shortlist by several highly rated youngsters, including Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí and Marc Bernal, Manchester City’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl.
Estevão, Hato Among 25 Finalists
Chelsea also have two players among the nominees, with Brazilian international Estevão Willian and Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato both making the final list.
Estevão has continued to attract attention following his move to Chelsea from Palmeiras, establishing himself as a regular option for the Premier League club.
The Brazilian has also become part of the senior national team setup and has scored six goals in 14 appearances for his country.
Hato, meanwhile, has strengthened his position with both Chelsea and the Netherlands after establishing himself as an important player under Xabi Alonso.
The shortlist also includes Real Madrid forward Endrick, Bournemouth duo Junior Eli Kroupi and Rayan, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, Borussia Dortmund’s Konstantinos Karetsas and Fiorentina’s Franco Mastantuono (on loan from Real Madrid).
Other nominees are Porto’s Victor Froholdt, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Luka Vuskovic and Charalampos Kostoulas, Cologne’s Said El Mala, Real Sociedad’s Jon Martin, Juventus’ Kerim Alajbegovic and Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch.
The Golden Boy Award was established by Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003 and is presented annually to the best young player in European football.
The award is decided by a jury of leading European journalists, with previous winners including Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal.
Doué Holds the Most Recent Crown
Paris Saint-Germain forward Désiré Doué won the 2025 Golden Boy Award after a remarkable campaign with the French club.
Doué played a key role in PSG’s historic season, including their Champions League triumph, and became the latest in a long line of young stars to receive the prestigious individual honour.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the award in 2024, while Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham claimed it in 2023.
Diomande will now compete alongside some of Europe’s most highly rated young players for the 2026 prize, with his breakthrough Bundesliga campaign, World Cup involvement and record move to Real Madrid forming the foundation of his nomination.
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