Candidates announced for best young footballer in the world
Lamine Yamal of Barcelona tops the list of nine nominees for Best Young Footballer in the World (08.09.2026).
As the calendar year enters its final phase, the significance of football awards traditionally grows. On 08.09.2026 the list of candidates for the Best Young Footballer in the world was officially announced, composed of players who have made the strongest impression in the recent period.
Lamine Yamal dominates the list
At the top is the Barcelona supertalent, Lamine Yamal, and all selected footballers are, as required, under 21 years old. The nominees come from the strongest European clubs and reflect the young forces that could soon form a new generation of stars.
The list includes Ayub Buardi, who this summer moved to City; Pau Cubarsi, also from Barcelona; and Jan Diomande from Real Madrid. Bayern Munich is represented by Lenart Karl, and from Bournemouth comes Eli Junior Krupi.
From the Premier League is Johan Mazambi, who plays for Aston Villa. Ibrahim Maza is the candidate from Bayer Leverkusen, while PSG is represented by Warren Zaire-Emery. At the end of the list is Kerim Alajbegovic, the Bosnian international at Juventus, who attracts significant attention in the Balkans.
The publication of this list marks the opening phase of the competition for the annual awards, and highlights the role of the major clubs in shaping the future stars of world football.
Photo: press material from the event
