Atlético Madrid star João Félix has been voted the world's best under-21 player after winning the 2019 Golden Boy award, beating Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.
A panel of 40 journalists voted João Félix as the winner of the Tuttosport award, making him the first Atlético player since Sergio Agüero in 2007 to take the gong home.
The Portugal international highlighted the impact of Benfica coach Bruno Lage in his acceptance speech. The attacker told the Italian publication: “Thanks to Tuttosport for the Golden Boy Award 2019, I am very proud.
“It is the second time that a player from Atlético Madrid has won this award and I am happy. Thanks also to Benfica, in particular to coach Bruno Lage, for all he has done for me and my family.”
The 20-year-old award winner received 332 voting points to take the crown, with England talent Sancho finishing runner-up with 175 marks despite arguably having a more consistent year. Kai Havertz was third with 75.
#GoldenBoy2019 a #JoaoFelix: “Grazie #Tuttosport, che orgoglio!” https://t.co/gBH9dZh8mb
— Tuttosport (@tuttosport) November 27, 2019
See Also | 2019 Golden Boy Award: Chukwueze, 39 Other Players Shortlisted
João Félix follows Matthijs de Ligt, Kylian Mbappé and compatriot Renato Sanches in being named the Golden Boy, an accolade a player can only win once.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
