João Félix has been blowing up in the European Football scene this year. The Portuguese wonderkid, who joined La Liga heavyweights Atlético Madrid this season, has nothing but praise from fans and pundits. Now thanks to his blistering performance, the youngster has been awarded the Golden Boy award.
The award, started in 2003, is given to the most impressive under 21 player in Europe, as nominated by various sports journalists. The first winner was the Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart, and before Félix it was awarded to Matthijs de Ligt in 2018, the only defender to win the award yet.
The young Portuguese international, who has appeared 4 times for the national team, beat out Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz for the award.
“I am very proud”- Félix said in an interview.
“It is the second time that a player from Atletico Madrid has won this award and I am happy.” he added. The first Rojiblanco to win the award was Sergio Agüero in 2007.
An SL Benfica youth product, Félix was promoted to the Benfica B senior team in 2016, two years prior to making his move to the primary team. He scored 15 goals for As Águias in the 2018-19 season, and was snatched up by Diego Simeone as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who swapped sides with FC Barcelona this year.
The 20 year old arrived at the Spanish capital in July 2019, for a monumental transfer fee of €126 million, making him the third most expensive footballer ever.