The shortlist of candidates in the running to be named the ‘Golden Boy’ for the year of 2026 has on Monday been unveiled online. And it features a number of first-team stars from Spanish football’s two leading clubs.
From Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, a trio of up-and-coming talents are up for the prize, namely Pau Cubarsí, Marc Bernal, and Xavi Espart.
Stopper Cubarsí is considered to be amongst the very favourites for the accolade, after a spectacular summer at the heart of Spain’s defence en route to La Roja clinching glory at the World Cup.
Turning focus towards the other half of the Clásico divide, three Real Madrid youngsters are also on the shortlist for Tuttosport’s prestigious trophy.
Specifically, summer signing Yan Diomandé and frontman Endrick have been nominated, alongside on-loan Blancos talent Franco Mastantuono.
Elsewhere on the La Liga front, Real Sociedad stalwart Jon Martín gets the nod, too.
The Golden Boy award is handed out on an annual basis by Italian outlet Tuttsport, to the player under the age of 21 considered to have performed best in one of Europe’s leading leagues over the prior 12 months.
Previous winners, who subsequently become ineligible to lift the prize a 2nd time, include the likes of Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham and Pedri.
Conor Laird – GSFN
