Désiré Doué looks set to be rewarded for his stunning rise. After a sensational second half of the 2024-2025 season, the PSG attacking midfielder has emerged as the clear favorite to win the 2025 Golden Boy award.
Arriving in Paris in the summer of 2024, the young French international needed a few months to adapt. But everything changed late in the year, following a decisive goal against Salzburg in the Champions League. From that moment, the No. 14 delivered one standout performance after another — culminating in a Champions League final masterclass against Inter Milan, where he scored twice and delivered an assist in PSG’s 5-0 win.
With 61 appearances, 16 goals, and 16 assists across all competitions, Doué became one of Luis Enrique’s key players. Unsurprisingly, he’s expected to feature in the upcoming 2025 Ballon d’Or longlist (to be released August 7), but his main goal is the prestigious Golden Boy award.
Yamal ruled out, Doué takes pole position
According to the official Golden Boy ranking update published this Saturday, Doué has climbed to second place with a score of 95.3, ahead of Pau Cubarsí (95) and just behind Lamine Yamal (97.9). However, the Barcelona wonderkid won the award in 2024 and cannot claim it again.
That leaves Doué as the frontrunner to be crowned Europe’s best U21 player in 2025 — a well-earned recognition for a remarkable campaign. PSG teammate Warren Zaïre-Emery is also in the running, currently ranked 5th with 87.4 points. Two PSG stars in the top 5 — a testament to the club’s youth revolution.
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