Nigerian-born Omorodion set to battle Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United stars for Golden Boy award

The race for the prestigious 2024 Golden Boy award is heating up, and among the 25 finalists is the rising star Samuel Omorodion, a Nigerian-born Spanish striker currently playing for Porto.

The announcement of the nominees has set the stage for an intense competition featuring some of the biggest young talents in world football, including stars from the biggest clubs in the world.

Omorodion, who was born in Melilla, Spain, to Nigerian parents, has been one of the breakout stars of the past year.

His explosive performances for Porto, including a spectacular brace against Manchester United in the Europa League, have caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, who have drawn comparisons between Omorodion and legendary strikers like Liberia’s George Weah.

Having moved from Atletico Madrid to Porto in August 2023, Omorodion wasted no time in making an impact in Portugal, scoring four goals in just five league appearances.

The former Alaves striker’s recent exploits with the Spanish U-21 national team, where he scored four goals in a European qualifying match, further bolstered his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, culminating in a Golden Boy nomination.

Omorodion, who also won a 2024 Olympic gold medal with Spain’s U23 team, will face stiff competition for the Golden Boy award from some of the most highly regarded young footballers in the world.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal is considered the favourite for the award after helping Spain lift the 2024 Euros, while Real Madrid's Arda Guler, and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho are also in the running for the prize.

The Golden Boy award, given to the best under-21 talent in European football, is set to be decided by a panel of 50 experienced international football journalists.

While players like Yamal may be considered favourites due to their performances at the highest levels, Omorodion's recent performances at Porto and with the national team make him a dark horse in the race.

Whether Omorodion eventually carts away the prize or not, his quality and form point to him being a star of the future at the highest level of the game.