Golden Boy 2022: Adam Hložek is again among the 100 nominees

Italian sports daily Tuttosport has published the shortlist of candidates for the Under-21 Golden Boy award. The 100 nominees include Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich and Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund. Adam Hložek is nominated for the second time.

This season is slowly coming to an end and with it comes the traditional voting for the best young player of the season. Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala or Gavi made the final ten last year and are in the nomination this year as well.

One player from the Czech Republic, former Spartan Adam Hložek, is also among the 100 nominees. Last year’s winner Pedri is also included.

Although there is no rule that a player cannot win the award twice, Tuttosport boss Massimo Franchi said that the usual tradition is to name a new winner every year.

“The philosophy is to name one new face every year,” said Massimo Franchi.

The list also includes Ryan Gravenberch of Beyern, Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid, Karim Adeyemi of Dortmund, Anthony Elanga of Manchester United and Harvey Elliott of Liverpool.

You can see the full nomination here.

The only criterion for shortlisting players is playing in Europe’s top football competition.

Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have the largest representation in the shortlist with five players. They are followed by Bayern Munich with four, while Liverpool and Roma have three each.

The Golden Boy award has been presented annually since 2003. The first recipient was former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart and the current recipient is Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

After Lionel Messi in 2005, Pedri was only the second Barcelona player to win the award. Moreover, after Cesc Fabregas and Isco, he is only the third Spaniard to receive this honour.

In its short existence, 10 strikers, 8 midfielders and only one defender have won the Golden Boy award.

Source: Tuttosport