Desire Doue receives Golden Boy award after Yamal

Paris Saint-Germain’s and France’s national team 20-year-old winger Desire Doue has been recognized as Europe’s best young footballer of 2025. The awarding ceremony of the prestigious Golden Boy award — established by the Italian outlet Tuttosport in 2003 — took place on Dec. 1 in Turin.

Doue significantly contributed to PSG securing its first Champions League title. In the final match against Inter Milan — which ended 5-0 — Doue scored a brace and provided an assist. He was recognized as the MVP afterward. Furthermore, the young player became the country’s champion, and the winner of the French Cup, French Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

A product of the Rennes academy, he joined PSG in 2024 for €50 million. Two years prior, the native of Angers won the UEFA Under-17 Euro 2022 playing for France’s U17 national team. At the Olympic Games in Paris, Doue became a runner-up with the team.

The Golden Boy is awarded to the best young footballer under 21 playing in the highest tier of one of the European championships. Notably, the award can be received only once.

In 2024, Lamine Yamal was awarded the Golden Boy.

At the same time, Inter’s 20-year-old forward Pio Esposito received the Italian Golden Boy award.

Lilian Thuram — 1998 World Champion and 2000 UEFA Euro champion — was recognized with the Career Award; he had to finish his career in 2008 due to heart issues.

Tuttosport also named PSG’s Nasser Al-Khelaifi the Best President.

The Golden Player Man was given to the family of Portuguese late footballer Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident on July 3.