The 2017 Golden Boy nominations are out and as with every year there are some strong contenders vying for the prestige of being named Europe’s most impressive footballer under the age of 21.
Marcus Rashford, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele headline the 25 contenders which will be decided by a panel of 30 journalists.
The prize, founded in 2003, is judge on performances across a calendar year rather than a season and there have been some standout names who have etched their name on the honour roll.
We look at three ‘hits’ and three ‘misses’ from the list of previous winners.
HITS
LIONEL MESSI
A man who needs no introduction of course.
While this award probably doesn’t sit in a prominent position on his trophy-laden mantlepiece, it goes to show how aware the media were of the then 17-year-old in 2005 after his rapid breakthrough into the Barcelona first-team ranks.
Lionel Messi presented with the ‘ Golden Boy’, prize in 2005
ISCO
Five years ago, the playmaker’s burgeoning reputation was still growing at Malaga and awards he received such as this one, will have not gone unnoticed at Real Madrid as Los Blancos signed him the following year.
Another example of a past winner who has since gone on to become a world-beater.
Isco holds his Golden Boy trophy during his time with Malaga in 2012
PAUL POGBA
The Frenchman emulated Isco’s feat a year later after finally displaying huge potential consistently at Juventus. Pogba started to add more goals and assists to his name as the Old Lady dominated Serie A.
It was this form that played a huge factor in Manchester United re-signing the midfielder for a then world-record fee in the summer of 2016.
Paul Pogba with his Golden Boy award in 2013 during his time with Juventus
MISSES
ANDERSON
The Brazilian scooped the award back in 2008 and huge things were expected of the then Manchester United star.
Despite spending the best part of eight seasons at Old Trafford, Anderson struggled to fulfill his early promise and was regularly no more than a bit part player for the duration of his stay.
He is now playing for Coritiba back in his native Brazil.
Anderson struggled with form and fitness at United
MARIO BALOTELLI
The much-troubled forward was handed the award in 2010 after a solid second-half of the campaign with Inter Milan, before he signed for Manchester City in 2010.
An eventful spell in the blue half of the city ultimately proved unsuccessful as did further stints at AC Milan and Liverpool – before he settled at Nice at the start of last season.
Balotelli has found his home in Ligue 1
ALEXANDRE PATO
Tipped as the next Brazilian star, the rising AC Milan forward picked up the accolade in 2009.
Despite a few good seasons with the San Siro giants, he never fulfilled his early promise and has had a smattering of clubs since.
Pato is now playing in China with Tianjin Quanjian