2026 Golden Boy finalists: Lewis-Skelly and Estevao lead Premier League stars

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea's Estevao have both been confirmed as finalists for the 2026 edition of the Golden Boy award.

Organised by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the Golden Boy award is handed to the best male player in Europe under the age of 21 in any given calendar year. Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue is the current holder, with Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and Kylian Mbappe all among the previous winners.

British and Brazilian contenders

Arsenal left-back-come-defensive-midfielder Lewis-Skelly could become just the fourth Briton to win the award when results, as voted for by a number of European newspapers including The Times, are confirmed in November.

Chelsea's Estevao, meanwhile, could become just the third Brazilian winner and the first since Alexandre Pato in 2009. He is joined on the shortlist by his team-mate Jorrel Hato.

Premier League and continental representation

Brighton are well represented on the shortlist, with former Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic and Charalampos Kostoulas both named. Barcelona and Real Madrid take up most of the list, with six finalists coming from one club or the other. Other Premier League representation sees Ayyoub Bouaddi, Junior Kroupi and Rayan recognised.

Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica is something of a controversial inclusion after the Argentine was hit with a six-match ban by UEFA for homophobic conduct towards Vinicius Junior in April.