Three promising Moroccan players have been named in the 100-man shortlist for the 2025 Golden Boy award, which honours the best under-21 footballer in Europe each year.
Eliesse Ben Seghir and Chemsdine Talbi, both full Morocco internationals, are joined by Franco-Moroccan starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi on the prestigious list.
Ben Seghir, 20, impressed during the season with AS Monaco, tallying nine goals and four assists. Talbi, also 20, had a standout campaign with Club Brugge in Belgium, scoring seven goals and providing four assists—some of which came in crucial Champions League matches. His performances have reportedly drawn interest from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
Bouaddi, meanwhile, broke into the first team at Lille and gained widespread attention after a commanding display in a 1-0 Champions League group stage win over Real Madrid.
The young midfielder has yet to declare his international allegiance, with both Morocco and France keenly watching his development.
While the Moroccan trio have earned recognition, Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí is currently considered the frontrunner.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season, making 56 appearances and playing a key role in Barça’s domestic treble under new manager Hansi Flick.
Although last year’s winner, Lamine Yamal, tops the current list with a score of 97.7, he is ineligible to win the award again. His inclusion is for reference only.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué sits in third place and is seen as another strong contender after an outstanding season in which he helped PSG secure the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League.
The shortlist was released this week by Italian publication Tuttosport, the creators of the Golden Boy award, which was first introduced in 2003. The final winner will be announced in December.
