Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna has been named among the top 100 nominees for the 2026 Golden Boy Award, further highlighting his rapid rise as one of the country’s brightest football prospects.
The 19-year-old forward, who recently completed a move from Swedish club AIK Stockholm to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, is ranked 80th on the initial Golden Boy shortlist released by Italian publication Tuttosport, organisers of the prestigious annual award.
Yohanna’s inclusion comes after an impressive spell in Sweden, where he registered five goals and four assists in 18 appearances before sealing a long-term move to Brighton on a contract that runs until June 2031.
He is ranked just ahead of his Brighton teammate Babis Kostoulas, who occupies the 83rd position.
The talented attacker was also called up by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for the 2025 Unity Cup, although AIK Stockholm did not release him because the tournament fell outside the FIFA international window.
He was also recovering from an injury while his transfer to England was being finalised.
Yohanna is one of several players of Nigerian heritage featured on this year’s Golden Boy list.
Others include Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha, Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, SV Elversberg midfielder Francis Onyeka and Juventus prospect Jeff Ekhator.
The Golden Boy Award recognises the best Under-21 footballer playing in Europe, with performances throughout the calendar year determining the final rankings before the winner is announced in November.
Although Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal tops the current standings, the Spanish star is not eligible to win again after claiming the award in 2024.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and Chelsea’s Estevao are among the leading contenders for this year’s prize.
Yohanna’s nomination represents another significant milestone in his promising career and reinforces growing optimism that the Nigerian teenager could soon establish himself at both Brighton and the Super Eagles.
