The Italian newspaper Tuttosport announced this Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Turin, the winner of the Golden Boy award, given to the best under-21 player of the European season. Frenchman Desiré Doué, from Paris Saint-Germain, received the trophy after a vote by journalists from continental outlets, beating 24 competitors, including Brazilian Estêvão, from Chelsea.
The award recognizes performances between October 2024 and May 2025, with a focus on sporting performance, playing time and club strength. Doué, 20, stood out with 16 goals and 16 assists in 61 matches for PSG, including a double in the Champions League final.
Estêvão, the only Brazilian on the final list, finished in second place, generating debates among fans about selection criteria.
- Main finalists: Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus).
- Eligibility criteria: Born after January 1, 2005, in UEFA top 25 leagues.
- Previous winners: Lamine Yamal (2024), Pedri (2021), Erling Haaland (2017).
Estêvão robbed https://t.co/zt47un4ipJ
— Tali 🪐🇵🇸 (@AbdulmuttallibA) November 4, 2025
Doué’s decisive season at PSG
PSG’s attacking midfielder was involved in 30 goals last season, contributing to achievements such as Ligue 1, Champions League, French Cup and UEFA Super Cup. In the Champions League decision against Inter Milan, 5-0, Doué scored two goals and provided an assist, guaranteeing the European title for the French club.
This performance elevated the player from 14th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or to the top of the Golden Boy Index, a Football Benchmark ranking that prioritizes consistency in European elites.
Estêvão’s career at Chelsea
Estêvão Willian, 18 years old, transferred from Palmeiras to Chelsea in August 2025, for 61.5 million euros. Trained at the Alviverde base, the striker has scored goals in all competitions for the English club so far, including in the Champions League.
The Brazilian countered criticism about the lack of decisiveness in big games, stating in an interview that at the age of 18 no one is completely ready. He thanked opportunities abroad for exceeding initial expectations in Brazil.
Initial reactions to the awards
European fans expressed immediate frustration with Doué’s victory, claiming that Estêvão deserved the award for superior technical ability. Posts on social media called the decision a “robbery”, highlighting the Brazilian’s impact on the streets and smaller fields.
Others defended the Frenchman, pointing out his triple crown and leadership in the rankings. The debate gained traction within hours of the announcement.
A profileicated to Chelsea posted that Estêvão was “robbed” at Golden Boy 2025, with a commemorative image of the player.
Finalist List Highlights
France dominated with six nominees, including Warren Zaïre-Emery and Senny Mayulu, both from PSG. Real Madrid had three names: Arda Güler, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono.
Arsenal contributed Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Tottenham appointed Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. These players represent the new generation of European football.
Youth awards controversies
The Golden Boy, created in 2003, has already generated discussions about criteria, such as the exclusion of previous winners, which prevented Lamine Yamal from defending the title. Journalists emphasize balance between individual talent and collective achievements.
Estêvão, as the only South American, highlighted the challenge of quickly adapting to the Premier League.
Promising future for both
Doué is recovering from an injury to his right thigh, suffered in October against Lorient, and should return within weeks. His victory reinforces PSG as a star-maker after Ousmane Dembélé in the Ballon d’Or.
Estêvão continues to rise at the Blues, with Carlo Ancelotti calling him up to the Brazilian team at the request of his teammates. Both promise intense seasons in 2026.
