Nigerian teenager Zadok Yohanna earns a place in the Golden Boy top 100 after an impressive season that led to his Brighton move

Brighton and Hove Albion forward Zadok Yohanna has been named among the top 100 candidates for the 2026 Golden Boy award, marking another major milestone in the young Nigerian’s rapid rise in European football.

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The 19-year-old earned the recognition after completing a record-breaking transfer to Brighton from Swedish club AIK Stockholm, signing a five-year contract that runs until June 2031.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport, organisers of the annual award, placed Yohanna 80th in the initial ranking of nominees, with the Nigerian positioned ahead of Brighton teammate Babis Kostoulas, who was ranked 83rd.

The recognition follows an impressive spell at AIK, where Yohanna recorded five goals and four assists in 18 appearances before securing his move to the Premier League.

The forward’s performances also earned him a place in Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the 2025 Unity Cup, although AIK did not release him for the competition because it fell outside the FIFA international window. Yohanna was also dealing with an injury while negotiations over his Brighton move were being completed.

The Golden Boy recognition places him among a group of promising Nigerian talents making their mark across European football. Other Nigerians included in the top 100 are Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor, SV 07 Elversberg’s Francis Onyeka and Juventus youngster Jeff Ekhator.

The Golden Boy shortlist, unveiled by Tuttosport in Perugia, assesses players under the age of 21 based on their performances and achievements during the year.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi currently leads the early race for the award following an outstanding season, although performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the opening months of the new club campaign are expected to influence the final decision.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal remains at the top of the overall ranking but cannot win the award again after claiming the prize in 2024, as Golden Boy rules prevent previous winners from securing the honour twice.

The leading contenders include Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain, Cubarsi, Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and Chelsea forward Estevao.

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

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For Yohanna, the nomination represents a significant step in his development as he begins a new chapter in England, where his performances at Brighton will be closely followed by supporters and scouts across Europe.