Desire Doue Claims 2025 Golden Boy Crown, Taking Over from Lamine Yamal

Paris Saint-Germain rising star Désiré Doué has been crowned the 2025 Golden Boy winner, beating out contenders like Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen and Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí to succeed Lamine Yamal as the award recipient.

The accolade presented by Italian sports publication Tuttosport recognizes the top player under 22 years old competing in a European top-division league.

Barcelona's 18-year-old prodigy Yamal would have naturally been expected to claim the honor once more. The controversial Spain winger placed second in this year's Ballon d'Or across all age groups but was ineligible having secured the 2024 Golden Boy title.

In contrast to Yamal, Doué capped off a spectacular 2024–25 season with European Cup success, netting twice in a commanding 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the championship match. "I am speechless, unbelievable for me," he exclaimed after the final whistle. "I am completely speechless." Just half a year prior, he had zero playing time.

During the season's early stages, Luis Enrique continued deploying Ousmane Dembélé in wide positions, creating just one available wing slot that Bradley Barcola had secured. Doué featured as a starter in only one of PSG's initial five European matches, a period where the French powerhouse managed just a solitary victory.

The speedy attacker entered as a substitute against RB Salzburg to net his first continental strike in a 3–0 triumph that established the foundation for PSG's remaining European journey with Doué as the focal point.

Complete List of 2025 Golden Boy Award Recipients

Doué wasn't the sole honoree at the extended ceremony presentation. The PSG leadership including sporting director Luis Campos and club president Nasser Al Khelaifi both received recognition for managing a successful transformation from the glamorous "bling-bling" period to Enrique's contemporary version of unselfish champions.

England Lionesses stars Leah Williamson and Michelle Agyemang also earned acknowledgment for their contributions to the European Championship victory.

Liverpool's beloved Diogo Jota was posthumously honored after his tragic death during the summer months.

2025 Golden Boy Shortlisted Candidates

Complete Golden Boy Award History