Top five clubs with the most golden boy award winners 

The award is presented to Europe’s best young player for his exemplary performance over the course of a calendar year

The Golden Boy Award is generally acknowledged as one of the most excellent awards in football. It is provided to young players, who emerge as the new massive talent on the block during a calendar year. The award was first given in 2003, following its inception by Tuttosport, and many newspapers across Europe voted. The winner must be under the age of 21 and play in a top-tier European league.

Since 2003, we have seen clubs yield young players, with many of them emanating from youth academies. Many clubs have witnessed their young players win the award. This article lists the clubs with the most golden boy winners.

5. Borussia Dortmund 

Dortmund has developed a number of young players who have gone on to make a name for themselves. Mario Gotze was the first Dortmund player to receive the honour. The player came through the youth system and was soon introduced to the senior team by Jurgen Klopp. His first-season performance earned him the Golden Boy award in 2011.

Erling Haaland was already one of Europe's best strikers at Molde, but he burst onto the scene at Dortmund, where his back-to-back hat-tricks in Champions League established him as a cultural icon. His performance in Dortmund paid off, as the player was also named the Golden Boy.

4. Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid has produced a slew of young talent, including Radamel Falcao, Thibaut Courtois, and others, who went on to ingrain their reputation in Europe. Sergio Aguero undoubtedly had an impact when he arrived at Atletico Madrid, cementing his legacy as one of Europe's best young strikers and winning the Don Balón, the Golden Boy.

Joao Felix made his professional debut at the age of 17 for Benfica, where he played a significant role in helping the club win the league title. His performance piqued the interest of many clubs, and Atletico Madrid paid a record transfer fee of 126 million for him. In his first season with the club, he led them to their first league title in seven years.

3. Ajax

Ajax is one of Europe's most distinguished clubs and ranks among the teams that have developed many world-class players. The club was home to several talented players who excelled and became big stars in Europe. Rafael van der Vaart began his career at Ajax Youth Academy and climbed his way up to the senior team, where he established himself as an essential player and was compared to Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, becoming the first-ever recipient of the Golden Boy award in 2003.

Matthijs de Ligt is another homegrown product and has gone on to become one of Europe's best defenders. De Ligt scored on his debut and became the second-youngest goal-scorer after Clarence Seedorf. He was integral to Ajax's run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, which got him the Golden Boy award.

2. Manchester United 

One of the most decorated clubs in Europe, Manchester United is familiar with the word 'legends'. They are famous for their academy, from which young players have risen to prominence. And we have seen many legendary players, with Wayne Rooney being one of the first to win the club's Golden Boy award after joining from Everton and sprouting into one of United's legendary players.

Anderson was the club's second winner of the prestigious award, having joined in 2007 and winning four Premier League titles.Anthony Martial was the last Manchester United player to win the award after his outstanding performance prompted the club to make a bid for him, for which United paid £57.6 million, the highest fee paid for a teenager in football history.

1. Barcelona 

LA Masia has done wonders for Barcelona; the amount of talented players they have produced is staggering, and we are still seeing such players ascend through the ranks. Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He was the first Barcelona player to win the highly regarded award after making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2004. He was so impressive that he won the award next season.

Pedri may not be a product of La Masia, but Barcelona is fortunate to have one of the best midfielders in the world on their team. Pedri joined Barcelona from Las Palmas and soon featured in the first team due to his talent and understanding of the game. In 2021, his stellar performance earned him the Golden Boy Award.

Gavi is the third Barcelona player to win the Golden Boy award. Gavi was immense for Barcelona at the age of 17. known for his technical ability and relentless pressing, he made over 30 appearances for Barcelona in his first season and was called up to the national team. He established himself as one of Europe's best midfielders at the age of 17.