Barcelona put three players in contention for Golden Boy honours as Espart joins shortlist

Barcelona teenager Xavi Espart has been included among the candidates for this year’s Golden Boy award after making an early impact on the first team.

The 19-year-old was named in the latest expanded shortlist published by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, which organises the award. Espart has started each of Barcelona’s first four league matches, despite playing at left-back for the first time in his career.

His rapid rise has attracted growing attention since he caught the eye of manager Hansi Flick during pre-season. The shortlist is limited to leading young players born in 2005 or later and features emerging talent from across world football.

Espart is also in contention for the Golden Boy Web award, which is decided by a public vote.

Barcelona representation

Barcelona have four players competing for the online prize. Alongside Espart are Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal.

Recent winners of the Golden Boy Web award include Jude Bellingham, Wilde and Mouzakitis. Ansu Fati won the prize in 2020, while Adeyemi was the recipient in 2021.

Barcelona also have a strong record in the main Golden Boy award. Three of their players have won it in the past five editions involving a Barcelona player.

Pedri claimed the award in 2021, followed by Gavi in 2022. Lamine Yamal became the club’s latest winner in 2024, before Desire Doue was named the most recent recipient.

Cubarsi leads this year’s race

Pau Cubarsi is regarded as the leading Barcelona candidate for this year’s main award.

However, Espart’s early involvement with the first team has strengthened his position among the most highly regarded young players in international football. His inclusion in both Golden Boy shortlists reflects the impression he has made after moving quickly into senior football.

The defender’s progress has come despite having to adapt to a new role at left-back, making his starts in all four of Barcelona’s opening league fixtures particularly significant in his emergence as one of the club’s next generation of players.