(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Kerim Alajbegovic has been rewarded for his fine form last season at RB Salzburg after being nominated for the 2026 Golden Boy award, which recognises the best Under-21 players in Europe.
The teenager has made good progress during his short senior career, with his performances last season convincing Juventus to add him to their squad. The Bianconeri recognised his potential and moved to secure his services.
His form at Salzburg also convinced Bayer Leverkusen to exercise the buy-back clause in his contract before selling him to Juventus. Since arriving in Turin, Alajbegovic has continued to show why he was considered such a promising talent.
The attacker has impressed during his early time at the club, although Juventus are keen to ease him into life in Turin. The Bianconeri know he remains a young player with plenty of development still ahead of him.
Alajbegovic earns Golden Boy nomination
In recognition of his performances last season, Football Italia says Alajbegovic is among the players nominated for the award.
The Juventus youngster is not expected to win, with Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi regarded as the main favourite. Myles Lewis Skelly and Yan Diomande have also been nominated, giving Alajbegovic strong competition for the prestigious award.
His nomination is nevertheless another indication of how highly his performances are regarded. Alajbegovic has already attracted attention with his displays and now has the chance to establish himself further at Juventus.
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Juventus youngster gets chance to shine
Alajbegovic is likely to remain more focused on his performances for Juventus than the Golden Boy award. He has an opportunity to play more regularly while Kenan Yildiz is recovering from injury.
That gives the teenager an important chance to show what he can do and demonstrate that he can contribute to the Bianconeri despite his age.
Juventus will want to manage his development carefully, but his nomination shows that he has already made significant progress.