Chelsea pair nominated for Golden Boy award for 2026

Chelsea have two young players nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy award for 2026, a remarkable achievement for both the players and the club. The shortlist, consisting of 20 players vying for the 2026 accolade, includes defender Jorrel Hato and winger Estevao Willian. These two Chelsea youngsters join an elite group of the world's best young talents.

Estevao, who demonstrated flashes of incredible talent last season, was forced to take a break due to a severe hamstring injury in March. This setback hindered his ability to establish himself as a regular starter under manager Xabi Alonso. So far this season, Estevao has struggled to break into the starting lineup. Rumors have surfaced suggesting Estevao may be unhappy with his limited playing time, although he continues to contribute for Brazil.

Hato, on the other hand, experienced a slower start to his Chelsea career but has become more of a fixture in the second half of last season. While some question whether Hato's nomination reflects his time at Ajax more than his tenure at Chelsea, he remains hopeful for a successful future with the club. The nomination for both Hato and Estevao is a testament to their potential and hard work, even if securing the Golden Boy award appears to be a challenging endeavor given the strong competition on the list.