Atletico Madrid starlet Joao Felix pips England ace Jadon Sancho to win prestigious Golden Boy award

Atletico Madrid starlet Joao Felix has won the Golden Boy award ahead of Borussia Dortmund and England star Jadon Sancho.

Felix is the first Atletico player since Sergio Aguero in 2007 to claim the prestigious honour, which recognises the best under-21 player in Europe.

The award was created by Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003 and has previously been won by Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling and Lionel Messi.

“Thanks to Tuttosport for the Golden Boy Award 2019, I am very proud,” Felix said.

“It is the second time that a player from Atletico 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.”

Past Golden Boy award winners

2003: Rafael van der Vaart

2004: Wayne Rooney

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2005: Lionel Messi

2006: Cesc Fabregas

2007: Sergio Aguero

2008: Anderson

2009: Alexandre Pato

2010: Mario Balotelli

2011: Mario Gotze

2012: Isco

2013: Paul Pogba

2014: Raheem Sterling

2015: Anthony Martial

2016: Renato Sanches

2017: Kylian Mbappe

2018: Matthijs de Ligt

Felix received 332 voting points to take first place, with Sancho getting 175 and Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz third with 75.

The Portuguese forward was signed from Benfica by Atletico on a seven-year deal for £113million this summer, having been chased by a number of several top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United and Manchester City.

He scored 15 goals last season, including a hat-trick against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, and has netted twice in eight appearances this term.