French-Senegalese defender Tylel Tati wins ‘Golden Kid’ 2026 award

FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati has been named Golden Kid Pro 2026, an award recognising the best young player to make a professional breakthrough this season in French football.

The 18-year-old centre-back beat strong competition from several promising talents, including players from Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique Lyonnais, Toulouse FC, and Le Havre AC.

He succeeds former winner Kader Meïté and was rewarded for an impressive breakthrough season in which he made 21 starts for Nantes.

Breakout season despite injury setback

Tati established himself as a key figure in Nantes’ defence before his season was cut short in mid-April due to injury.

Despite his absence, his early-season performances were strong enough to earn him top recognition in the Golden Kid Pro category.

PSG youngsters among multiple award winners

Several Paris Saint-Germain academy players also received recognition during the ceremony, highlighting the club’s continued strength in youth development.

Aymen Assab was named best player in the U19 national league, while David Boly was awarded best overage player in the same category. Tanté Diakité also picked up the Golden Kid Pro 2026 honour.

Other standout winners across French youth football

The ceremony also celebrated emerging talent across France, with Vitória SC’s Oumar Camara named Golden Kid Pro International 2026.

In the younger categories, Aly Traoré of Amiens SC and Yanis Kharbouch of Troyes were recognised for their performances, while Lyon’s Ajdin Muninovic claimed the Goal of the Season award.

French youth football continues to produce stars

The Golden Kid awards once again highlighted the depth of young talent across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 academies, with PSG and Nantes among the standout contributors this year.