With teenage sensation Gavi having signed a lucrative new deal with FC Barcelona on Thursday, here's a look at the favourites to win the 2022 Golden Boy Award alongside the 18-year-old wonderkid.
Barca have inserted a €1 billion (R17.6 billion) release clause in the Spaniard's new four-year contract. The youngster is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe, having attracted the interest of the likes of English giants Liverpool and Manchester United.
Organisers of the the Golden Boy award, Tuttosport, included the the La Masia graduate among the the 40 nominees for the prize earlier this month. The accolade recognises the standout player aged 21 and under, and Gavi faces strong competition from his young teammates Ansu Fati and Pedri, with the latter having won it in 2021.
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No player has ever won it twice though, with even the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland only managing to get their hands on it just once despite several nominations.
One of the frontrunners for the honour is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. The England international finished second for the prize last year after an impressive first season at the Signal Iduna Park. The 19-year-old has been impressive for BVB and he has gained a lot of interest from across Europe, particularly in his native country.
Scroll through the gallery below to see some of the frontrunners to win the 2022 Golden Boy Award
The Reds are credited with being the leading potential suitors for the playmaker, with the club reportedly aiming for his signature at the end of the current campaign. Various reports suggest that Dortmund value the the 15-capped Englishman in excess of £100 million (R2 billion).
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Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga has also been shortlisted following a hugely successful 2021/22 that saw him crowned LaLiga and UEFA Champions League winner.
Despite a slightly slow start to life in the Spanish capital, the Frenchman was influential in the Los Blancos' UCL triumph as he put in an inspiring display in the semi-final second leg against Manchester City, helping his side to a sensational comeback win.
Camavinga also won the UEFA Nations League with France in August last year. German international Jamal Musiala and Reds duo Harvey Elliot and Fabio Silva are also among the leading contenders - see the gallery above to see the favourites!
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