Liverpool’s Giovanni Leoni Named Among Finalists for 2025 Golden Boy Award
Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni has been named among the 25 finalists for the 2025 Golden Boy award, recognizing Europe’s brightest young football talents.
The 18-year-old Italian centre-back has been rewarded for his breakout 2024/25 season with Parma, where he made 17 Serie A appearances — totaling 1,205 minutes — and played a key role in helping the club secure a 16th-place finish.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Leoni’s inclusion on Wednesday evening, publishing the official 25-man shortlist via X (formerly Twitter).
Other Premier League prospects to make the cut include Leny Yoro (Manchester United), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), and Archie Grey (Tottenham Hotspur) — underlining the growing influence of young talent in England’s top flight.
Unfortunately, Leoni’s promising start to life at Liverpool has been put on hold after he suffered an ACL injury during his only appearance for the club this season — a 1–0 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
Despite the setback, his Golden Boy nomination highlights his immense potential and the growing belief that he could develop into one of Europe’s top defenders once fully fit.
