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Turin-based Tuttosport have announced the nominees for the 2019 Golden Boy award, with various sports newspapers around Europe, including L’Equipe, A Bola and Marca participating in the voting process.
This year’s list includes numerous Italian youngsters. Also, it has last year’s winner and a protagonist on the transfer market – Matthijs de Ligt.
Each year, Tuttosport names the best European footballer under the age of 21 as their ‘Golden Boy’.
Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz, Andriy Lunin and Rodrygo Goes all have the chance to win the award, which was given to Ajax captain De Ligt in 2018. The Dutchman has the chance to retain the trophy as he is still just 19 years old.
Tuttosport have named a ‘Golden Boy’ every year since 2003, with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Isco, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe all previously winning the award.
Barcelona’s nominees include new signing Frenkie de Jong, as well as future star Riqui Puig and B team goalkeeper Lazar Carevic.
Amongst the 100 contenders, some names stand out: Joao Felix (Benfica), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Kai Havertz(Bayer Leverkusen), Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad), Moise Kean (Juventus), Diego Lainez (Real Betis), Kang-in Lee (Valencia), Nehuen Perez (Atletico Madrid), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund) and Nicolo Zaniolo (Roma).
Meanwhile, Super Eagles of Nigeria sensation Samuel Chukwueze misses out on the list, but Flying Eagles captain Ikouwem Udo was included.
100 Nominees for the 2019 Golden Boy Award