Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has been named among the finalists for the 2025 Golden Boy award, becoming the only player from Pep Guardiola’s squad to receive a nomination for this year’s edition of the prestigious accolade.
The recognition marks another proud moment for the City Football Academy, as O’Reilly’s nomination underscores Manchester City’s growing reputation for developing elite young talent capable of competing on the European stage.
O’Reilly’s rise through the ranks has been one of the standout stories at the Etihad Stadium over the past year. The 20-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign during the 2024/25 season, earning regular first-team minutes and signing a new long-term contract that ties him to the club until 2030.
Renowned for his technical intelligence, tactical awareness, and composure in midfield, O’Reilly has drawn comparisons to City’s homegrown superstar Phil Foden, who himself progressed from academy ranks to first-team prominence under Guardiola’s watchful eye.
The Golden Boy award, established by Italian outlet Tuttosport, celebrates the best under-21 footballer playing in Europe’s top divisions. It has previously been won by some of football’s modern icons, including Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé. The only Manchester City-linked winner to date remains Mario Balotelli, who claimed the honour in 2010 primarily for his performances at Inter Milan before joining City.
As confirmed by Tuttosport, O’Reilly features among the 25-player shortlist that includes the likes of Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham, and PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery. His inclusion reflects the global recognition Manchester City’s academy system continues to earn, both domestically and across Europe.
O’Reilly’s nomination also highlights City’s renewed emphasis on homegrown development. Recent years have seen the integration of academy talents like Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb, and Nico O’Reilly into Guardiola’s senior setup, reaffirming the club’s vision to blend world-class youth prospects with experienced professionals.
With the winner of the 2025 Golden Boy award set to be announced later this year, O’Reilly faces fierce competition but stands as a testament to Manchester City’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of footballing excellence.
FAQ
Q: What is the Golden Boy award?
A: The Golden Boy award, created by Tuttosport, honours the best under-21 player in Europe’s top leagues based on their performance and potential.
Q: Who is Manchester City’s nominee for the 2025 Golden Boy award?
A: Manchester City’s sole nominee for the 2025 edition is 20-year-old midfielder Nico O’Reilly.
Q: Has any Manchester City player ever won the Golden Boy award?
A: The only City-related winner so far is Mario Balotelli, who won it in 2010 before joining the club.
Q: What makes Nico O’Reilly stand out?
A: O’Reilly is known for his maturity, tactical intelligence, and technical ability. His development through the City academy and adaptation to Pep Guardiola’s style have earned him widespread praise.
Q: When will the 2025 Golden Boy winner be announced?
A: The winner will be revealed later this year following final voting and assessments from European journalists and experts.
Conclusion
Nico O’Reilly’s nomination for the 2025 Golden Boy award is a proud moment for both the player and Manchester City. It not only rewards his rapid progress and standout performances but also serves as validation of the club’s long-term vision for player development. As City continue to blend academy talent with world-class stars, O’Reilly’s recognition symbolizes the next chapter in their commitment to shaping football’s future elite. Whether or not he lifts the trophy, his name now sits among Europe’s brightest young stars — a testament to Manchester City’s enduring footballing philosophy.
