Nico Williams nominated for 2022 Golden Boy Award
Nico Williams nominated for 2022 Golden Boy Award
The Athletic player is in the running for the prestigious award, considered the Balon d’Or for young footballers
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is a nominee for the Golden Boy 2022, a prestigious award which recognises the best young player in European football. The accolade is presented by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and is considered the Balon d’Or for footballers under 21 years old.
Since the prize was first bestowed in 2003, a string of renowned players have been named Europe’s Golden Boy, including: Pedri, Erling Haaland, Joao Felix, Matthijs de Ligt, Kylian Mbappé, Anthony Martial, Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba, Isco, Mario Götze, Mario Balotelli, Pato, Anderson, Sergio Agüero, Cesc Fabregas, Leo Messi, Wayne Rooney and Rafael Van der Vaart.
The initial list sees Nico selected among the 100 most talented youngsters playing in Europe. The number of candidates will be reduced by 20 each month until October 15, when jurors from 40 leading sports publications around the world will decide who to crown Golden Boy from the final 20 names.