Brighton and Hove Albion's Nigerian summer acquisition, Zadok Yohanna, has been featured in the top 100 of the 2026 European Golden Boy rankings.
This list was published by the Italian sports daily, Tuttosport, which organizes the esteemed annual award, ranking players under 21 based on their performances and accomplishments in 2026 thus far.
Yohanna, aged 19, recently made the switch to the Premier League club from Swedish side AIK Stockholm this summer on a five-year deal expiring in June 2031, and is positioned 80th in the preliminary list of 100 contenders for the award, which will be determined in November.
Yamal, Estevao, Cubarsi, Lewis-Skelly Included
Also featured in the list are Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal, England and Arsenal left-back Miles Lewis-Skelly, Brazil’s Estevao from Chelsea, Warren Zaire-Emery from France and Paris Saint-Germain, Spain and Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon and Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, Lennart Karl from Bayern Munich and Germany, and Jorrel Hato from Chelsea and the Netherlands.
Technically, Yamal tops the list, but he cannot win as he previously claimed the award in 2024, with the regulations barring repeat winners.
Also Read: AIK Plans to Acquire More Young Players Following Yohanna Transfer
Yohanna’s Notable Performance For AIK
Yohanna made a remarkable impact at AIK prior to his transfer to England, netting five goals and assisting four times in 18 matches.
His stellar performance earned him a spot in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, although AIK did not release him as the tournament occurred outside FIFA’s international match window.
Previous Winners Of The Golden Boy Award
Historically, the Golden Boy award has been dominated by players from Spanish clubs, with notable former winners including Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Aguero, Isco, Pedri, Gavi, and Jude Bellingham.
Spain has produced four winners, the highest of any nation, followed by France with three, while Argentina, Brazil, England, the Netherlands, and Portugal each boast two winners throughout the award’s history.
By James Agberebi
