Five Bundesliga prospects make Golden Boy 2026 shortlist
The 25-player shortlist for the 2026 Golden Boy award features five Bundesliga players, including Bayern Munich's Lennart Karl and Cologne's Saïd El Mala. Karl recorded nine goals and eight assists during Bayern's 2025/26 Bundesliga and DFB Cup double and won his first Germany caps, but a thigh injury prevented him from playing at the 2026 World Cup. El Mala scored 15 Bundesliga goals in his debut season, while VfB Stuttgart's Finn Jeltsch was also included after helping his side qualify for the Champions League.
The Golden Boy prize has been handed out each year by Italian outlet Tuttosport since 2003. It goes to the top player aged under 21 in a leading European league, with journalists deciding the recipient from a 25-man list.
Karl's 2025/26 season brought a league and cup double with Bayern, nine goals and eight assists in 40 matches, and three senior Germany appearances. A thigh problem kept him out of the 2026 World Cup. El Mala netted 15 league goals in his first Bundesliga year; Jeltsch made 23 league outings as Stuttgart reached the Champions League.
The shortlist could raise the profiles of these young Bundesliga players, drawing more media and sponsor attention to them and their clubs. Fans and youth academies may see the recognition as validation of Germany's development work, potentially inspiring other teenagers. It may also increase transfer speculation and expectations, which could place added pressure on players still adjusting to senior football.