Ayyoub Bouaddi and Yan Diomande are among the 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy award, giving Africa two chances to claim the prize for the first time since its creation in 2003.
The Morocco international and Cote d’Ivoire forward, both 19, were named on the shortlist on Monday after completing high-profile transfers during the summer. Bouaddi joined Manchester City from Lille for 95 million euros, plus 5 million euros in bonuses, while Real Madrid paid 125 million euros, with a further 15 million euros in add-ons, for Diomande.
Their inclusion reflects two impressive but contrasting campaigns. However, both face a major challenge from Pau Cubarsi, who is widely regarded as the leading candidate after a standout year with Spain and FC Barcelona.
Bouaddi appears to have the stronger overall case of the two African nominees. The midfielder was one of the revelations of the World Cup, helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals. His display against Brazil particularly impressed, as he resisted pressure and controlled the game despite being only 18 at the time.
He has since made his first European start for Manchester City, featuring against FC Porto. His place on the Golden Boy shortlist was also expected after he climbed to third in the provisional rankings in September.
Diomande’s credentials are built more heavily on his attacking output. He scored 12 goals and provided eight assists for Leipzig last season, before starting all four of Cote d’Ivoire’s matches at the World Cup. His move to Real Madrid made him the most expensive African player in history.
His start in Madrid has been less convincing. Although he appeared in each of the first seven La Liga matches, he was selected in the starting XI only twice and is still waiting for his first goal. Diomande has acknowledged that he has yet to play regularly for Real Madrid, although his performances before the international break offered some encouragement.
Cubarsi’s achievements give him a significant advantage. The FC Barcelona defender was a world champion with Spain, was named the tournament’s best young player and remains a regular starter for his club. He finished third in the 2025 Golden Boy voting and is the clear favourite this year.
Bouaddi can point to his influence during Morocco’s World Cup run and the difficulty of establishing himself in midfield at such a young age. Diomande has superior attacking statistics and enjoyed an outstanding Bundesliga campaign, but neither player’s case currently appears as complete as Cubarsi’s.
Victory for either African nominee would mark a historic first. No player to represent an African national team has won the Golden Boy award. Achraf Hakimi came eighth in 2018, while Ansu Fati, who was born in Guinea-Bissau but represents Spain, finished second behind Erling Haaland in 2020.
Mario Balotelli and Paul Pogba are among the previous winners with African heritage, but neither played for an African national team. Bouaddi and Diomande have now reached the final 25 after transfers worth up to 240 million euros combined, bringing Africa closer to a breakthrough after 23 editions without a winner.