PSG’s World Cup-winning forward is looking to become the first player to defend the award, but has competition from a team-mate and other big names
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe faces competition from the likes of Timothy Weah, Christian Pulisic and Phil Foden as he seeks to defend his Golden Boy award.
The 19-year-old is looking to make history by becoming the first player to take the trophy in successive seasons.
His cause was aided considerably over the summer when he helped to inspire France to World Cup glory in Russia.
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He has also been among the goals at club level in 2018-19 after returning to the domestic stage with PSG.
Mbappe will be the heavy favourite to be named the best young player on the planet once more, but there are several other candidates who could run him close.
PSG team-mate Weah, the son of former World Player of the Year George, has emerged through the ranks at Parc des Princes to generate plenty of excitement in France and with the U.S. National Team.
His international colleague Pulisic, who continues to shine in Germany for Borussia Dortmund, is another player being tipped to reach the very top of the game.
The same can be said for Manchester City midfielder Foden, who has seen senior game time this season for the reigning Premier League champions after helping England to U-17 World Cup glory in 2017.
He is one of seven Premier League representatives on the 60-man Golden Boy shortlist released by Italian publication Tuttosport .
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and Everton’s Tom Davies are in contention for the prestigious prize, as well as Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon. Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, Manchester City sensation Brahim Diaz and Tottenham’s Juan Foyth.
Among those to miss out, with the list having been trimmed from 80 names, are Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard and Manchester United academy graduate Angel Gomes.
Whoever takes the award will join illustrious names such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba and Wayne Rooney on the roll of honour, with Rafael van der Vaart the first recipient back in 2003.