The full list of nominees for the 2026 Golden Boy award has been released as 25 young guns from around Europe's top leagues compete for being crowned the best under-21 player of the year.
Italian publication Tuttosport will give away the award in November, but favorites are already being drawn out as Premier League clubs dominate the list.
Barcelona star Pau Cubarsi is widely considered the favorite for the prize, although Warren Zaire-Emery, Yan Diomande and Lennart Karl among the frontrunners too.
Also among the nominees are two Borussia Dortmund players, with Joane Gadou and Konstantinos Karetsas making the cut. Interestingly, both these star talents were signed during the summer.
Joane Gadou
His burgeoning reputation with Red Bull Salzburg as one of the best defensive prospects had already been gaining attention from Europe's mightier quarters, but Dortmund won the race to sign Joane Gadou this summer, splashing €19.5 million in his acquisition.
After playing an instrumental role in Salzburg's splendid league run wherein they conceded the second-lowest numbet of goals, Gadou quickly adapted to life with Dortmund. He enjoyed a promising run in their preseason campaign and later carried that form into the new season as Gadou now appears ready to nail down his place in the starting berth.
The 2026 Golden Boy award might seem far-fetched, but he can stake a bigger claim on the prize in the future if he continues in the trajectory that he's on right now.
Konstantinos Karetsas
Genk conceded their Belgian Pro League crown in a rather limp fashion last season, but among the bright spots for them was Konstantinos Karetsas. The Greek teenager grabbed eye-balls for his insane dribbling skills, winning one-on-one duels and laying chance-creating through balls.
With 11 assists, Karetsas teed up the most goals in the Belgian top-flight last season after only Christos Tzolis (13) while assisting another five in the Europa League. Besides, he also chipped in with three goals as his stats were enough for the BVB to splurge €30 million on him this summer.
Much like Gadou, he too has made a strong impression at Dortmund already and has established himself as one of their chief No.10s in Kovac's lineup. The 18-year-old has not posted big numbers yet, but is heavily involved in most of their attacking plays, showing the kind of maturity and tactical intelligence that thoroughly belies his age.
Greece's next big thing in the making.
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