MATTHIJS DE LIGT could become the first player to secure the Golden Boy award twice after he was included on a 20-man shortlist for this year’s prize.

The gong, established by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and awarded to the best player under the age of 21 in a European top-tier league, lists Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe among its former winners.

De Ligt claimed it in 2018 when on the books of Ajax and is among the nominees for 2019 after continuing to impress with Juventus.

He was the first defender to win it. Manchester City star Phil Foden is also in contention, alongside emerging Barcelona talent Ansu Fati, despite both having been afforded minimal game time.

Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt won the award in 2018. Alberto Gandolfo Alberto Gandolfo

More established youngsters such as Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz are also on the list.

The winner is determined by an international online vote and will be announced in Turin on 16 December.

Full list of Golden Boy nominees:

• Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan)
• Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)
• Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
• Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
• Phil Foden (Manchester City)
• Matteo Guendouzi (Arsenal)
• Erling Braut Haaland (Salzburg)
• Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
• Dejan Joveljic (Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Moise Kean (Everton)
• Lee Kang-in (Valencia)
• Donyell Malen (PSV)
• Mason Mount (Chelsea)
• Andriy Lunin (Real Valladolid)
• Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
• Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
• Ferran Torres (Valencia)
• Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
• Nicolo Zaniolo (Roma)

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