Succeeds Haaland
The Spanish Euro 2020 participant Pedri of FC Barcelona has won the 2021 Golden Boy award. This was announced on Monday by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, which has been awarding the prize since 2003. The 18-year-old midfielder is only the second Barça player to receive the award, after Lionel Messi in 2005. In Cesc Fàbregas (2006) and Isco (2012), two other Spaniards have previously received the trophy. Last year, BVB’s Erling Haaland became the Golden Boy.
All Golden Boy winners since 2003
All talents born after January 1, 2001, were eligible this year, initially 100 players were announced in a pre-selection in the summer, which was gradually reduced to 20 players. These were voted on by various publications from Europe, including Bild in Germany, L’Équipe from France, Marca from Spain and The Times from England.
“I am delighted to announce that FC Barcelona and Spanish national team midfielder Pedri has won the nineteenth edition of our international trophy, which selects the best U21 player in the world playing for a European club in the top division,” Tuttusport director Xavier Jacobelli said. “Of the forty journalists who voted on behalf of the most prestigious newspapers on our continent, 24 voted him first, nine second and three third.”
Golden Boy: England youngster Bellingham receives second most votes
According to the report, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham came in second, a full 199 points behind. There has never been such a large lead in the voting, Jacobelli said. Meanwhile, Germany international Karim Adeyemi of Red Bull Salzburg won the fan vote on the internet ahead of Charles De Ketelaere of Club Brugge.
