Nigeria’s Zadok Yohanna Breaks Into 2026 Golden Boy Top 100 List

According to Ireporter Online, the prestigious annual award celebrates the outstanding performances of footballers under the age of 21 across the world. Yohanna, who is 19 years old, secured the 80th position on the latest list after an impressive start to 2026.

The Nigerian winger joined Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion from Swedish side AIK Stockholm during the summer transfer window, signing a five-year deal that will keep him at the Amex Stadium until 2031.

Before making the switch to England, Yohanna impressed in Sweden, where he recorded five goals and four assists in 18 appearances for AIK, attracting attention with his pace, creativity and attacking ability.

His outstanding performances also earned him a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Unity Cup. However, AIK refused to release him for the tournament because the competition fell outside the official FIFA international window.

Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal currently leads the Golden Boy rankings but remains ineligible to win the award again after claiming the honour in 2024, as previous winners are not permitted to receive the prize twice.

Other highly rated youngsters featuring on the list include Arsenal’s England defender Miles Lewis-Skelly, Chelsea forward Estevao, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bayern Munich talent Lennart Karl and Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato.

The Golden Boy award has previously been won by some of football’s biggest names, including Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Aguero, Isco, Pedri, Gavi and Jude Bellingham.

Spain remains the most successful country in the history of the award with four winners, while France follows with three. Argentina, Brazil, England, the Netherlands and Portugal have each produced two Golden Boy recipients.