Lamine & Cubarsí: Barcelona pair on updated leaderboard for Golden Boy award | OneFootball

Three headline members of the first-team ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona feature prominently in the latest rankings for the prestigious Golden Boy award.

The prize, handed out on an annual basis by Italian outlet Tuttosport, recognises the standout U21 performer in Europe’s top leagues across the calendar year.

It has been won by some of the most decorated players in the recent history of the game, including the likes of Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba and, last time out, Jude Bellingham.

On the Barcelona front, meanwhile, Pedri and Gavi scooped the accolade in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022.

Those of a Blaugrana persuasion, in turn, will no doubt be delighted to hear that one of their own is leading the race to be named Golden Boy for 2024.

The player in question? Lamine Yamal.

As revealed in an updated post on the part of Tuttosport on Saturday, the 16-year-old wide-man boasts a narrow advantage over Benfica prodigy João Neves atop the shortlist.

Elsewhere, fellow breakthrough La Masia talent Pau Cubarsí has climbed to 13th, with Gavi, despite his long-term injury absence, four spots back in 17th.

Conor Laird | GSFN