Three young footballers eligible to represent Nigeria have been named among the 100 nominees for the 2025 Golden Boy award, a prestigious honour for the best under-21 player in world football.
The list, unveiled by Italian outlet ‘Tuttosport’ on Wednesday, features Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, Chelsea’s Tyrique George, and AS Monaco’s George Ilenikhena.
Nwaneri, 18, who enjoyed a breakthrough season with Arsenal, ranks highest among the trio at 8th after scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 37 appearances. George, 19, was recently promoted to Chelsea’s senior squad and is placed 41st following a productive campaign with seven goal contributions.
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Monaco forward Ilenikhena, born in Lagos and ranked 96th, also impressed with six goals and two assists.
While Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal remains the sport’s standout teenage talent, he is ineligible for a second win, having secured the award in 2024.
The Golden Boy accolade has been a key barometer of emerging talent since 2003.
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