Stade Rennais' Kader Meïté named Best Young Player at 2025 Golden Kid Awards
The 17-year-old was recognised following a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 McDonald's , where he made 12 appearances and scored twice for Bruno Genesio’s side. Meïté emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in French football this season, his speed, flair and maturity catching the eye of observers across Europe.
The Golden Kid Awards were created to highlight excellence among young French footballers across six categories, from U17 to professional level. Winners were selected by a panel of international scouts, with the ceremony taking place on Saturday evening.
Meïté’s rise this season saw him edge out other high-profile nominees, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye and RC Lens’ Kyllian Antonio, to claim the top professional prize.
PSG and OL talents also honoured
Paris Saint-Germain also featured heavily among the winners. Axel Tape and David Boly claimed trophies in the U19 and U19 ‘avenir’ (prospect) categories respectively, underlining the depth of talent in the capital club’s academy.
Meanwhile, Olympique Lyonnais’ promising attacking midfielder Adil Hamdani picked up the U17 avenir award after a standout season in the youth ranks.
Abroad, the title of Best French Youth Player in a Foreign League went to Joane Gadou, an 18-year-old central defender making waves with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
2025 Golden Kid Award Winners – Key Categories:
Golden Kid Pro: Kader Meïté (Stade Rennais)
Golden Kid U19: Axel Tape (Paris Saint-Germain)
Golden Kid U19 Avenir: David Boly (Paris Saint-Germain)
Golden Kid U17 Avenir: Adil Hamdani (Olympique Lyonnais)
Golden Kid Pro de l'Étranger: Joane Gadou (RB Salzburg)
READ MORE:
>>International RoundUp: UEFA
