Three French players have been included on the final 25-player shortlist for the Golden Boy, an award created by Italian media Tuttosport to recognise the best talents under the age of 21 plying their trade in Europe.
The original 100-player shortlist has been considerably whittled down. There are now just 25 players remaining, including three Frenchmen. Paris Saint-Germain’s Warren Zaire-Emery is included on the longlist having played a prominent role in another successful year at club level, which culminated in titles in the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1.
There is also a place on the final shortlist for AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, who excelled in his first season in the Premier League following his move from formative club FC Lorient. No teenager scored more goals in their debut season than Kroupi did last season.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s Joane Gadou has been nominated as one of five wildcards for this year’s Golden Boy award.
