Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
Home
»
World Cup 2026
»
WHO WILL WIN THE BEST YOUNG PLAYER AWARD?
Every year, the Best Young Player award sparks heated debates among fans, journalists, and scouts. From South American gems to European superstars, the world of football is brimming with Under-21 talents who could make their mark. In this article, we analyze the leading candidates for the next award, review key statistics, share intriguing stories from past winners, and explain why this award is so much more than just a medal. Lace up your boots and join us for this exciting look at the future of world football.
Strong Candidates for the Award
Every season, the eyes of the world are on a handful of young players who are tearing it up in top leagues. This year, the competition is tighter than a Clásico tied in the 90th minute. Here we review the main contenders for the Best Young Player award, analyzing their stats, impact, and media narrative.
Endrick (Palmeiras/Real Madrid)
At just 17 years old, Endrick is already a confirmed prospect. In the Brasileirão, he has 9 goals in 24 matches and will be signed by Real Madrid in 2024. His physical strength, finishing ability, and maturity for his age make him one of the favorites, especially if he shines in international tournaments like the Copa América or the Olympic Games. Although he already looks like a veteran, Jude is still eligible at 21. His immediate impact at Madrid has been brutal: 10 goals in his first 10 league matches. Leadership, technical quality, and goals in key moments make him a top contender. If he maintains this pace, he could sweep all the youth awards and some of the senior ones.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
The Barça wonderkid has broken precocity records: he debuted at 15 and has already scored for the Spanish national team. His ability to unbalance defenses on the wing, his vision, and his audacity are reminiscent of a young Messi. If he maintains consistency and delivers key performances in the Champions League or the European Championship, he'll be hard to ignore.
Endrick: a goalscoring powerhouse at 17
Bellingham: a natural leader in the Real Madrid midfield
Yamal: records of precocity and pure magic
Evan Ferguson (Brighton): a lethal 19-year-old striker
Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd): a winger with goals and grit
Key Stats and Performance
Numbers aren't everything, but in modern football they matter more than ever. Here we break down key stats for the award favorites, using data up to October 2025. These metrics help paint a clearer picture of each young player's performance.
Goals and Assists per 90 Minutes
Bellingham leads with an average of 0.89 goals per 90 minutes, an insane figure for a midfielder. Endrick follows with 0.71, while Garnacho contributes 0.55 combining goals and assists. Yamal, more creative than a goalscorer, has 0.47, but with more chances created than anyone else in his age group. Participation in decisive matches: One of the factors that weighs most heavily in the voting is the impact in big matches. Bellingham has already scored in Clásicos and Champions League games. Garnacho has decided matches in the FA Cup and Premier League. Yamal was key in Spain's qualification for the Euros. These moments build a winning narrative. Minutes played and consistency: Playing many minutes at such a young age speaks to technical confidence and exceptional physical attributes. Bellingham has surpassed 2,000 minutes this year. Yamal is around 1700. Garnacho and Ferguson, alternating ownership, have close to 1500. Endrick, in Brazil, has less due to rotation and local tournaments.
Bellingham: 0.89 goals/90' and more than 2000 minutes
Endrick: 0.71 goals/90’ in the Brasileirao
Yamal: 5 assists and 30 chances created
Garnacho: 8 goals/5 assists in 2025
Ferguson: 11 goals in Premier League
Curious stories and final prediction
Beyond the numbers, this award has had unexpected winners, controversies, and twists worthy of a novel. Did you know that Kylian Mbappé didn't win it at the 2018 World Cup? It was won by a certain Paul Pogba in 2014. And that Erling Haaland has never officially received it, despite his relentless goal-scoring.
Does the jersey matter?
Yes, very much so. Playing for top clubs and national teams with international visibility increases the chances. That's why players like Bellingham or Yamal have an advantage over talents in less high-profile leagues like the Argentinian or Brazilian leagues, despite the level of play. Narratives that sell. The media loves emotional stories: a young man from a humble background who conquers Europe, a promising player who shines after overcoming injuries, or a teenager who decides a final. These stories influence voters as much as goals. It's part of the show. And the winner? If the award were given out today, Jude Bellingham would be the clear favorite: performance, leadership, and global visibility. But keep an eye on Lamine Yamal, who has a European Championship ahead of him. And if Endrick has a breakout season at the Olympics, he could pull off a surprise like Vinicius did a few years ago. Everything is at stake.
Bellingham: current favorite by a wide margin
Yamal: depends on the Euros
Endrick: possible Olympic dark horse
Ferguson: if Brighton goes far in Europe
Garnacho: needs consistency
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
