Twenty were shortlisted from top European leagues for Golden Boy 2019. The Golden Boy award is given by sports journalists to a young footballer playing in Europe perceived to have been the most impressive during a calendar year (two halves to two separate seasons). All nominees must be under the age of 21 and play in a European nation’s top tier. The award was created by Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003.
Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt won last year’s award for his performances at Ajax, while past winners also include Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé. Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović did not receive this award.
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix is favourite to win the award this year following his impressive performances for Benfica last season.
Twenty shortlisted for the Golden Boy 2019
| Name | Club | Nationality | Position |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Juventus | Netherlands | Defender |
| Alphonso Davies | Bayern Munich | Canada | Forward |
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | AC Milan | Italy | Goal-Keeper |
| Ansu Fati | Barcelona | Spain | Forward |
| Phil Foden | Manchester City | England | Midfielder |
| Matteo Guendouzi | Arsenal | France | Midfielder |
| Erling Braut Haland | RB Salzburg | Norway | Forward |
| Kai Havertz | Bayer Leverkusen | Germany | Midfielder |
| Joao Felix | Atlético de Madrid | Portugal | Forward |
| Dejan Joveljic | Eintracht Frankfurt | Serbia | Forward |
| Moise Kean | Everton | Italy | Forward |
| Kang-in Lee | Valencia CF | South Korea | Midfielder |
| Andrij Oleksijovyc | Valladolid | Ukraine | Goal-Keeper |
| Donyell Malen | PSV Eindhoven | Netherlands | Forward |
| Mason Mount | Chelsea | England | Forward |
| Rodrygo | Real Madrid | Brazil | Forward |
| Jadon Sancho | Borussia Dortmund | England | Forward |
| Ferran Torres | Valencia CF | Spain | Forward |
| Vinicius Jr | Real Madrid | Brazil | Forward |
| Nicolo Zaniolo | AS Roma | Italy | Midfielder |
