A 25-player shortlist for the 2026 Golden Boy award was announced on Monday, but Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal was not included.
The 19-year-old has continued to produce outstanding performances for both Barcelona and the Spain national team, but his omission is explained by the award’s rules.
Golden Boy, presented by Tuttosport since 2003 to the best footballer aged under 21, cannot be won by the same player twice. Yamal claimed the prize in 2024 and is therefore ineligible to win it again.
The award’s recent winners are Pedri, Gavi, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal and Desire Doue, who have taken the honour over the past five years.