Borussia Dortmund forward Samuele Inácio has been included in the initial list for the 2026 Golden Boy award, a ranking of Europe’s top young footballing talents. The 18-year-old is one of four Italian players featured in the top 100, as compiled by Tuttosport in partnership with Transfermarkt. The list was unveiled Wednesday evening in Solomeo, Italy.
Inácio’s father and agent, João Batista Inácio “Piá”, spoke enthusiastically about his son’s inclusion, describing it as a significant recognition for the young player’s ambition and progress. He noted Samuele’s determination to improve his standing in future rankings. The Golden Boy award has previously recognized future stars who played for Dortmund, with Erling Haaland winning in 2020 and Mario Götze in 2011, highlighting the club’s strong youth development system.
Inácio is not the only Dortmund player to make the list; teammate Luca Reggiani, born just three months earlier, also earned a place in the top 100. According to Inácio’s father, the two players share a close friendship, living together and studying German for eight hours a week, providing mutual support. Both players are potential candidates for Italy’s Under 19 squad for the upcoming European Championship, though their participation hinges on Borussia Dortmund’s willingness to release them, as the tournament falls outside of the FIFA calendar.
Recently, Inácio signed a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund, keeping him at the club until 2029, and his father confirmed he will respect the club’s directives regarding international duty. There is potential for a call-up to the Italian national team, and Dortmund would likely release him for such a match, as he is now considered a first-team player. Inácio’s ultimate dream, according to his father, is to win a World Cup with Italy, a feat the nation has not achieved in recent years. While he identifies strongly with Italy, his father acknowledged that a potential opportunity with Brazil could be considered if a call-up to the Italian senior team doesn’t materialize.
