Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly has been named among the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy award.
The 20-year-old joins Chelsea pair Estêvão and Jorrel Hato in contention for the prize, which recognises the best Under-21 male player at a European club.
The organisers confirmed the shortlist on Monday, selecting 20 players from the latest rankings alongside five wildcards.
Who is competing with Lewis-Skelly for Golden Boy?
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery and Real Madrid pair Endrick and Yan Diomande are among the finalists.
Eight Premier League players feature, with Manchester City’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bournemouth duo Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi, and Brighton pair Luka Vušković and Charalampos Kostoulas joining Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea’s two nominees.
A panel of 50 journalists will choose the winner, with the announcement scheduled for November.
Previous winners cannot receive the award again, ruling out Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal despite his place in the wider rankings.
Recognition follows Lewis-Skelly’s England opportunity
Lewis-Skelly’s nomination follows his recent involvement in Thomas Tuchel’s England midfield.
He started against Spain on his 20th birthday, with Tuchel praising his performance after the match.
That international role has also renewed discussion about where Lewis-Skelly can develop within Arsenal’s midfield.
He now has the opportunity to follow former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, who won the award in 2006.
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