Eleven La Liga players named in golden boy longlist: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid among contenders

The prestigious Golden Boy award longlist, released by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport, features eleven standout talents from La Liga, underscoring the league’s wealth of young talent. This annual award, which recognizes the best under-21 player in European football, currently held by Jude Bellingham, is determined by votes from journalists across 30 countries.

Barcelona continues its strong tradition in nurturing young talents with four players making the list. These include Pedri and Gavi, who have won the award in previous years, and are joined by Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, and Vitor Roque.

Despite an injury-marred season, Gavi has again earned a spot, a testament to his immense potential and previous performances. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal is emerging as a hot favorite due to his impressive displays.

Real Madrid’s hopes rest on the shoulders of Arda Guler, who has been turning heads with his performances. Guler’s inclusion in the list reflects his growing influence and potential to become a key player for Los Blancos.

Atletico Madrid has two representatives: Arthur Vermeeren and Samu Omorodion. Vermeeren, who played a pivotal role for Atletico this season, has shown remarkable maturity and skill, while Omorodion, on loan at Alaves, has also impressed with his performances.

The list also includes Ilias Akhomach from Villarreal, who formerly played for Barcelona’s academy. Akhomach’s debut season has been outstanding, earning him recognition among Europe’s elite young players. Real Betis’ Assane Diao has also made the cut, highlighting the depth of talent in La Liga beyond the traditional powerhouses.

Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera is another name to watch. The young defender has had a standout season for Los Che, showcasing his defensive skills and composure. Rounding out the La Liga nominees is Savio from Girona, who is seen as one of the strongest challengers to Lamine Yamal within Spain.

The golden boy award: a tradition of excellence

The Golden Boy award, established in 2003, has been a significant predictor of future football stars. Past winners include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and more recently, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. This year’s longlist continues to highlight the emergence of young talents who are likely to dominate world football in the coming years.

Barcelona’s dominance and future prospects

Barcelona’s dominance in the Golden Boy award in recent years is a testament to their exceptional youth development program. With Pedri and Gavi having won the award in the previous two years, the Catalan club is poised to continue its legacy with several new names emerging. Lamine Yamal, in particular, has been touted as a future star, and his progress will be closely watched.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid’s rising stars

Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Atletico Madrid’s duo of Vermeeren and Omorodion represent the rising stars from the Spanish capital. Their inclusion in the longlist highlights the broader competitive environment within La Liga, where young players are given ample opportunities to shine on the big stage.

The presence of eleven La Liga players in the Golden Boy longlist underscores the league’s commitment to nurturing young talent. As these players continue to develop and showcase their abilities, they will not only enhance their clubs’ fortunes but also contribute to the rich legacy of Spanish football on the international stage.

The race for the Golden Boy award will be closely followed, and it will be fascinating to see which of these young talents will emerge as the best under-21 player in Europe.