Moroccan international Eliesse Ben Sghir has been named one of the 25 finalists for the prestigious 2024 Golden Boy Award, which honors the best footballer under the age of 21 playing in Europe.

The AS Monaco midfielder’s name appeared on the final shortlist unveiled on Thursday in Rome by the Italian sports daily “Tuttosport,” the award’s founder. At just 19 years old, Ben Sghir has been turning heads with his stellar performances this season, contributing two goals and two assists in Ligue 1. His impressive displays have made him one of the standout talents in French football.

Ben Sghir’s impact extends beyond his club performances. As part of the Moroccan national team, the Lions of the Atlas, he shone in recent matches against the Central African Republic, scoring twice in a 4-0 victory on October 15, after a dominant 5-0 win on October 12 in Oujda.

Since its creation in 2003, the Golden Boy Award has been a benchmark for recognizing Europe’s most promising young talents. The winner, selected by a panel of specialized sports journalists, will be announced at a ceremony in late November.