Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Aït Boudlal shortlisted for 2026 Golden Boy award

Morocco’s next generation of football talent has received another boost after Ayyoub Bouaddi and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal were named on the 2026 Golden Boy shortlist, placing the pair among Europe’s leading young players.

The 100-man list, released by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport on Monday, recognises the best under-21 footballers playing across Europe. The inclusion of the two Moroccan internationals underlines the country’s growing influence in youth development on the continent.

Bouaddi among leading contenders

Bouaddi has emerged as one of the standout names on the shortlist after being ranked fifth in the early standings for this year’s award.

The 18-year-old midfielder has been rewarded for his impressive performances in Ligue 1, with only a handful of players placed above him on the initial rankings, which are headed by Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

Although Yamal tops the performance index, the Spain international is ineligible to win the prize again after claiming the award previously, potentially strengthening the prospects of other leading contenders, including Bouaddi.

Aït Boudlal recognised for defensive displays

Stade Rennais defender Aït Boudlal has also earned recognition after making the prestigious shortlist.

The young centre-back has impressed with his rapid progress in France and is now regarded as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects following another encouraging season.

His nomination alongside Bouaddi reflects the growing number of Moroccan players making an impact at elite clubs across Europe.

Europe’s brightest talents in contention

The shortlist also includes several of the continent’s most highly rated youngsters, among them Real Madrid forward Endrick and Paris Saint-Germain trio Warren Zaïre-Emery, Senny Mayulu and Ibrahim Mbaye.

Lyon’s Khalis Merah, Monaco pair Mathis Tourrain and Aladji Bamba, as well as Lens prospect Andrea Boulet, are also among the nominees.

The Golden Boy award, presented annually by Tuttosport, will be decided later this year through a combination of performance data, votes from a panel of sports journalists and a public fan vote, with the eventual winner succeeding last year’s recipient, Désiré Doué.