Football news - Matthijs de Ligt wins coveted Golden Boy award

De Ligt, 19, has been linked with moves to Barcelona, Bayern and Juventus, and will have done nothing to put off those potential suitors by lifting the award endorsed by Italian newspaper Tuttosport.

The defender finished ahead of rising talent such as Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe lifted the award last year before being named the best young player during France's World Cup victory.

De Ligt helped Ajax complete an 8-0 drubbing of De Graafschap on Sunday.

He was also key in helping them qualify for the Champions League and progressing to the last 16 of the tournament including two draws with Bayern Munich.