Renato Sanches wins Golden Boy award for 2016

Sanches beat club team-mate Kingsley Coman and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford to the accolade after the trio emerged from an initial 40-man shortlist to form the final three.

Published : Oct 24, 2016 17:01 IST

Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches celebrates winning Euro 2016
Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches celebrates winning Euro 2016
lightbox-info

Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches celebrates winning Euro 2016

Bayern Munich and Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches has won the European Golden Boy award for 2016.

Sanches beat club team-mate Kingsley Coman and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford to the accolade after the trio emerged from an initial 40-man shortlist to form the final three.

The 19-year-old will collect the trophy at a ceremony in Monte Carlo on Monday.

Sanches signed a five-year deal at the Allianz Arena from Benfica in May and went on to win Euro 2016 with Portugal, playing in six of his team's seven matches. 

The annual prize — established by Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003 and voted for by a panel of journalists from around the continent — is given to the player under the age of 21 who has impressed the most over the calendar year.

"I'm beaming and I dedicate the Golden Boy to my family," Sanches told Tuttosport after the announcement.

"This award has global significance, but I will remain down to earth. I still have much to learn mainly from my fantastic team-mates like Arturo Vidal, Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcantara and Joshua Kimmich."

United forward Anthony Martial won last year's award, following up successes by Paul Pogba and Raheem Sterling in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi was the winner back in 2005, one year after Wayne Rooney took the honour. Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, though, never claimed the prize.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment