NewzPresented annually by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport since 2003, the Golden Boy honours the best under-21 player competing in one of Europe's top-flight leagues, as determined by the UEFA coefficient rankings. The winner is selected by a panel of leading football journalists. Karl earned his place on the shortlist after a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign in which he helped Bayern secure a Bundesliga and DFB Cup double.
The 18-year-old contributed nine goals and eight assists in 40 competitive appearances, while also winning his first three senior Germany caps. A thigh injury ultimately denied him the chance to feature at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Watch: Lennart Karl lighting up the game
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