
You can vote for our number seven HERE.
In addition to Paulinho, there are nine other Bundesliga players in the running: Ethan Ampadu (RB Leizpig), Leon Dajaku, Alphonso Davies (both FC Bayern), Erling Haaland, Giovanni Reyna, Jadon Sancho, Sergio Gómez (all Borussia Dortmund), Ozan Kabak and Juan Miranda (both FC Schalke 04) provide competition for the 19-year-old Brazilian.
The Italian sports magazine Tuttosport has been presenting the Golden Boy Award for the best young player under 21 since 2013. Kai Havertz came third last year.


The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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