The eighth edition of the Golazo 50 is here! Julián Álvarez claimed back to back top spots but with the Atlético Madrid forward no longer eligible, who will be crowned number one this year?

To be eligible for the list, the players simply need to be born on or after January 1st 2001 (they would all have been eligible to play at the 2024 Olympic tournament).

There is clearly huge room for debate. The player’s ability and potential is taken into account BUT that is also balanced with what the player may have achieved in senior football, whether they have represented Argentina at some level or made the successful transition to another league. The idea of compiling the list every year is to see that progression from perhaps a talented 17-year-old with little first team experience to hopefully an Argentina regular by the age of 23. In other words, there are plenty of players who missed out on the 50 due to perhaps lacking experience but who have a far higher ceiling than some of those players at the top end of the age range.

This will be all likely be discussed in our annual podcast to accompany this list once the entire 50 has been revealed. So if a young player you think warranted a spot isn’t here you can be sure he was on our incredibly long list and was subject of much debate.

From an initial list of well over 100, Peter and Tom whittled it down and this is the Golazo 50 2023…

50. Santiago López
Independiente
09/02/2006
Winger
New Entry

A contract standoff delayed the electric winger’s introduction into the Rojo first team but the former U17 international has wasted no time making his mark. A fearless dribbler with quick feet and burst of pace, López is already a key attacking outlet for low-scoring Independiente, but still lacks end product and is prone to the occasional bout of immaturity. His golazo against Banfield was a prime example of what he’s capable of and Ajax are already rumoured to be taking a keen eye on his development. If he can keep his feet on the ground, he’ll go far.

49. Juan Giménez
Rosario Central
27/04/2006
Centre Back
New Entry

One of a handful of 2006-born talents to break into the list, Juan Giménez has made 15 league appearances for Rosario Central and in August netted his first goal in a 1-0 win over Atlético Tucumán. Much like Argentina U17 centre back partner Tobías Ramirez at Argentinos Juniors, Giménez is seeing plenty of first team minutes and not looking out of place. It’s been a difficult year for the Canalla following the highs of 2023 but in Giménez they might have something a little special. 

48. Juan Ignacio Nardoni
Racing Club
14/07/2002
Midfielder
New Entr

Nardoni is a name that’s been circling the Golazo 50 for a couple of years and finally makes his bow. A model of consistency for a Racing side that won the Copa Sudamericana and made a late push for the league title, Nardoni was also around the Argentina U23 set-up but missed out on the Olympic squad. It will be interesting to see if there are more levels for the slowburner Santafesino to get to.

47. Kevin Lomónaco 
Independiente
08/01/2002
Centre back
New Entry

Coming through Lanús’ excellent academy system, it was as a teenager that Lomónaco was earmarked as a future Argentina defender. A move to Red Bull Bragantino and a subsequent ban for his part in a betting scandal followed by an underwhelming loan with Tigre saw his stock plummet. When Independiente came calling in August it was hardly a move which excited El Rojo’s demanding fans yet against all odds Julio Vaccari’s side boast one of the best defensive records in the league and are back in CONMEBOL competition for 2025. Much of that is down to Lomónaco. The 22-year-old has the physical profile you would want in a centre back – strong in the air but comfortable stepping out from the back. It’s little surprise that keeping him in Avellaneda was first order of business for the Red Devils. 

46. Alan Lescano
Argentinos Juniors
11/11/2001
Midfielder
New Entry

One of the best performing locally-based players over the last 12 months, not just among U23s but across all age groups. The lanky all-rounder has gone to a different level at La Paternal, adding goals to his game and getting into double figures for the season. Lescano particularly shone in the Copa de la Liga, making the Team of the Tournament for his role in getting Argentinos to the semi-finals. 

45. Exequiel Zeballos
Boca Juniors
24/02/2002
Winger
2023 Golazo Ranking: 20

Were it not for injuries there is little doubt that Zeballos would be higher in the list and not instead one of the biggest fallers from 2023. Fit and firing again, Changuito has been showing his enormous quality again lately and while Boca’s struggles continued this year the young winger looks primed to be part of the big plans for 2025. An electric dribbler, Zeballos gets supporters out of their seats with his ability to score and create. Still a little raw and guilty of making the wrong choices at times but the main question is over his fitness rather than technique. 

44. Gastón Ávila
Ajax
30/09/2001
Centre back
2023 Golazo Ranking: 19

Sliding down the list, albeit through no fault of his own, 2024 has been a write-off for Ávila. An ACL injury in January ruled the defender out for the year and, at the time of writing, he’s yet to make an appearance. Given his tough start to life in Amsterdam, bad luck with injury, and the raft of promising Argentinian centre backs emerging, Ávila’s stock has understandably fallen. The focus should be on returning to full fitness and getting some games under his belt as he looks to make up for lost time. Still young enough to bounce back, but the chances of replicating Lisandro Martínez seem to be dwindling.

43. Facundo Farías
Inter Miami
28/08/2002
Forward
2023 Golazo Ranking: 17

Just like Ávila, Farías is another faller due to another serious injury and as such his move to Inter Miami has never really got going. The bustling forward who shone so brightly with Colón when they lifted a historic Copa de la Liga in 2021 has since seen his career hindered by two ACL injuries. Were it not for this, Farías looked like a player destined for Europe and while progress has understandably stalled if the 22-year-old can stay fit, he’s a huge boost for Inter Miami in 2025.

42. Tomás Palacios
Inter Milan
28/04/2003
Centre Back
New Entry

A mobile, 6ft 5, left-footed centre back is a much sought after physical profile in modern football. Tomás Palacios ticks all the boxes and an impressive six-month loan at Independiente Rivadavia was enough for Inter Milan to snap up the young defender. Understandably, minutes have been hard to come by in Italy, with a total of 10 minutes in cameos against Empoli and Parma his only game time so far. Talk of a loan back to an Argentinian grande has been mooted but should be viewed as a calculated decision in his development rather than a failure to adapt to European football.

41. Leandro Brey
Boca Juniors
21/09/2002
Goalkeeper
New Entry

The only goalkeeper on the list Leandro Brey has had to wait patiently for his chance at Boca and has now usurped Chiquito Romero as the club’s number one. The 22-year-old joined the Xeneizes from Los Andes in 2022 and was earmarked as one for the future but despite his appearances for Argentina’s U20s and U23s, a regular starting role at Boca was seen as some way off. However, Romero’s shaky form opened the door and Brey seized his chance, capturing the headlines with four saves in a Copa Argentina penalty shootout win over Gimnasia. 

40. Jerónimo Dómina
Unión Santa Fe
17/10/2005
Striker
2023 Golazo Ranking: 49

It’s been a tricky year to evaluate the teen striker. On one hand, Dómina’s only made four starts and played considerably less minutes than in 2023. But on the other hand, his impact in those few minutes has been far greater, scoring 4 goals in about 600 minutes of football. Indeed, his 0.75 goals per 90 is one of the best in the Liga Professional. Linked to Southampton in the summer, his super sub status doesn’t seem to be doing him any harm but we’d like to see more of him.

39. Santiago Simón
River Plate
13/06/2002
Winger / Full Back
2023 Golazo Ranking: 38

It is perhaps not unfair to suggest that a little more was expected from Santiago Simón. Now 22, the River Plate midfielder has arguably been at the same level for a number of years, posing the question whether there is more to come. Former manager Martin Demichelis didn’t really seem to know how to use Simón and experimented with him as a right-back but the return of Marcelo Gallardo has given Simón a new lease of life. El Muñeco has always been a fan and is now regularly finding room as part of his midfield so there are no more excuses. 2025 has to be a big year for Simón if he is to fulfil potential. 

38. Bruno Zapelli
Athletico Paranaense
17/05/2022
Playmaker
2023 Golazo Ranking: 36

Zapelli has floated around the mid to low 30s of the last three Golazo 50s, a reflection of both his steady progression to becoming a regular at Athletico Paranaense and that nagging feeling that he’s not kicked on enough to really get tongues wagging. Zapelli’s five assists were second only to the brilliant Estevao among U23 players in the Brasileirao this year and he was a regular for a Paranaense side that reached the Sudamericana quarter finals but were also relegated to Serie B. Perhaps this is as good as it gets, but there’s no shame in that.

37. Juan Sforza
Vasco da Gama
14/02/2002
Midfielder
2023 Golazo Ranking: 25

Juan Sforza is not alone in being one of the Argentines to make the move to Brazil and struggle to find a next level which would perhaps facilitate the European transfer all South American players long for. While it accounts for the 22-year-old drop in the 50, it doesn’t mean there is still not a more than capable midfielder. A vastly experienced youngster who had captained Newell’s prior to his switch to Vasco da Gama, Sforza has a little bit of everything about his game – good passer and ball winner but maybe lacking the athleticism to truly thrive at the top end.

36. Pablo Solari
River Plate
22/03/2001
Forward
2023 Golazo Entry: 24

A strong start to the year, including a goal in the Superclásico and a call up to the Argentina U23s, petered out into an extended dry spell, as the momentum and trajectory of Solari’s career seemed to plateau somewhat. While his numbers are basically equivalent to last year and he’s had a decent end-of-season flourish, there’s a feeling that his ceiling isn’t quite as high as we might have hoped, hence his drop in the Golazo standings. 

35. Lucas Esquivel
Athletico Paranaense
14/10/2001
Left Back
New Entry

Esquivel’s outstanding form with Unión in 2023 earned him a move to Athletico Paranaense and with it national team recognition as he helped Argentina under-23s book a spot at the Olympics. This year in Brazil has proved more testing and culminated in the Furacão’s surprise relegation. A modern full-back capable of terrific service from the left, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some interested parties in Esquivel during this window. 

34. Tobías Ramírez
Argentinos Juniors
11/11/2006
Centre back
New Entry

Formerly known as Tobías Palacio, the teenage centre back has parachuted into the Argentinos Juniors first team without missing a beat, quickly becoming a regular starter for El Bicho. Part of a super talented Argentina squad that got to the U17 World Cup last year, Ramírez is quick across the ground, strong in the tackle and reads the game well. Still only 18, it’d be a surprise to see him still in the league by the time of his next birthday.

33. Kevin Zenón
Boca Juniors
30/07/2001
Winger
New Entry

It was another lacklustre year for Boca but one in which they did manage to sneak back into the CONMEBOL Libertadores for 2025. Kevin Zenón had his ups and downs, having looked like a world beater upon his arrival from Unión only to struggle to maintain such form after going away with Argentina for the Olympics. Rumours of potential unrest having seen a move to Germany rejected midway through the year could explain that but either way it will need to be forgotten for the creative left footer to thrive next season.

32. Matías Moreno
Fiorentina
24/09/2003
Centre Back
New Entry

Tall, composed, and able to get back and stretch out a telescopic leg to snuff out attacks, Matías Moreno quietly had a very impressive year and looks to be yet another promising Argentinian centre back. The 21-year-old established himself as a regular for Belgrano, gaining valuable Sudamericana experience, before Fiorentina swooped for him. While game time has been limited to a few Europa Conference League appearances, it’s still early days and will hope to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Lucas Martínez Quarta.

31. Gianluca Prestianni
Benfica
31/01/2006
Winger
2023 Golazo Ranking: 21

It was a difficult exit from boyhood club Vélez Sarsfield and it’s not been the easiest start in Portugal with Benfica but signs are that Prestianni could be set for a greater role with As Águias in the near future. A wonderfully gifted winger who broke records when he came into the Vélez first team as a 16-year-old, it was with good reason that Prestianni generated such attention. Still only 18, there is plenty more to come.

30. Benjamín Domínguez
Bologna
19/09/2003
Winger
2023 Golazo Ranking: 45

Domínguez’s talent has been evident since he broke through at Gimnasia in 2022 but, with a couple of season’s experience under his belt, this was the year that the diminutive, tricky winger really took it up a notch. Key to that was his added end product, with six goals in 25 league appearances a notable uptick. No surprise then that Europe came calling and he made the switch to Bologna. Still slowly being integrated into the first team, the Rossoblù will hope Domínguez can make a similar impact to their other young Argentinian Santiago Castro.

29. Enzo Barrenechea
Valencia (on loan from Aston Villa)
22/05/2001
Defensive Midfielder
2023 Golazo Ranking: 48

Barrenechea was a bit of an unknown when named in Lionel Scaloni’s last Argentina squad. The 23-year-old left Newell’s Old Boys prior to his first team debut and largely developed in Italy where a successful loan at Frosinone in 2023 really saw him kick on. Juventus never gave the midfielder much of a shot and he was subsequently used as a make-weight in a deal for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz, which in turn has led to a loan at struggling Valencia. What Barrenechea desperately needs now is some stability.

28. Aaron Anselmino
Chelsea
29/04/2005
Centre Back
New Entry

After a short but impactful breakthrough at the end of 2023, the year got off to a slow start for the highly-rated Boca prospect. A classy, well-rounded defender, Anselmino fits the prototype of a modern centre back, but a lack of game time meant there was little evidence to back up the hype. This didn’t deter Chelsea, who continued their spree of the best young South American talent and snapped him up, before loaning him back to Boca. Given a consistent run over the last few months, we’ve been treated to a glimpse of his evident talent and he has all the makings of a future international. Whether the move to Chelsea is the right one remains to be seen, but another six months in Argentina will at least get some much-needed experience under his belt.

27. Thiago Fernández
Vélez Sarsfield
03/04/2004
Winger
New Entry

The breakout star of Argentine football in 2024, Fernández was instrumental to Vélez Sarsfield being crowned league champions and very nearly winning the lot. The 20-year-old scored 6 goals, assisted 9 and provided Gustavo Quinteros’ side with guile, trickery and pace coming in off the left wing. Three final defeats during the year denied Vélez doing something truly historic and an ACL injury suffered at the end of the season cruelly cut Fernández’s campaign short but both club and player have to look at positives.

26. Agustín Giay
Palmeiras
16/01/2004
Right back
2023 Golazo Ranking: 40

Another year of steady progression for Giay who made the jump from San Lorenzo to Palmeiras. While a move to Brazil might not be the move most expected, the step up to fight for a place in one of the continent’s best sides and learn from Abel Ferreira – a very good right back in his day – seems a smart decision on paper. A lack of game time so far is a worry but Giay remains a talent to keep tabs on, especially given the lack of Argentinian right back options out there.

25. Giuliano Simeone
Atlético Madrid
18/12/2002
Winger / Forward
New Entry

Despite his notable connections, it’s been a bit of a waiting game for Giuliano Simeone but following loans with Real Zaragoza and Alavés, Cholito is back with father Diego at Atlético Madrid. A powerful and direct runner out wide, Simeone went to Paris for the Olympics and has since been called up to the senior Argentina squad by Lionel Scaloni. His role for table topping Atleti is still for now developing and living up to the family name will always be tough but Giuliano is beginning to make a name for himself. 

24. Julio Soler
Lanús
16/02/2005
Left back
New Entry

The latest prospect out of the full back factory that is Lanús, Soler couldn’t have asked for a better 12 months. The 19-year-old has established himself as first choice for el Granate, was a key player in their run to the Sudamericana semi-final, and played all four games at the Olympics for the Argentina U23s. Links to Liverpool and a senior team call up for the October qualifiers against Bolivia and Venezuela have been just reward and recognition of his progression. Valentín Barco may well be starting to look over his shoulder… 

23. Alejo Véliz
Espanyol (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
19/09/2003
Striker
2023 Golazo Entry: 14

The strapping number 9 is another faller this year after failing to establish himself in European football. It’s little wonder Véliz’s name is beginning to pop up on the transfer radars of teams back in South America given his form previously with Rosario Central and Argentina under-20s but he will still be hoping to find success on the other side of the Atlantic. Goals have been hard to come by either at Spurs, Sevilla or currently at Espanyol and maybe the 21-year-old will require a drop down to restore confidence and kick on.

22. Alan Velasco
FC Dallas
27/07/2002
Forward
2023 Golazo Entry: 9

A year blighted by an ACL injury sees Velasco drop out of the top 10 for the first time in three years. A couple of goals at the tail end of the season suggest the magic is still there and hopefully he can make up for lost time. With one year left on his contract, Velasco is reaching something of an early crossroads. Boca have made their interest known and perhaps a short spell back in Argentina is the springboard he needs but realistically this is a player who belongs at a higher level than the Liga Professional — or MLS for that matter.

21. Cristian Medina
Boca Juniors
01/06/2002
Midfielder
2023 Golazo Entry: 13

At the centre of one of Argentine football’s most controversial transfers, Medina looks to become the first signing of the US-backed Estudiantes project. A move away from Boca was needed due to the midfielder being frozen out due to his unhappiness over a failed Fenerbahce move but whether this is the right one remains to be seen. On his day Medina is an energetic box-to-box presence capable of operating in a few different roles and popping up with the odd goal but those aren’t perhaps regular enough and this consistency is what may have kept European clubs away. 

20. Federico Redondo
Inter Miami
18/01/2003
Defensive Midfielder
2023 Golazo Entry: 18

After crashing into the upper echelons of the list last year following a wonderful breakthrough year, 2024 has been more about consolidation for the classy deep-lying midfielder. He’s had to contend with a new country, a knee injury, and forcing his way into a team flying high. He might not be a guaranteed starter but he’s played a healthy amount of football and been involved with the Argentina U23s. Not too shabby and will hope to kick on next year.

19. Valentín Carboni
Marseille (on loan from Inter Milan)
05/03/2005
Attacking Midfielder
New Entry

An Argentina debut in March followed by a spot in Lionel Scaloni’s Copa América squad at the expense of Paulo Dybala suggested it was going to be a huge year for Carboni. A move to Marseille followed only for an ACL injury to halt any such momentum. The 19-year-old will be back next year and Scaloni will be eager to check in on him after his exciting cameos for the Selección. With the Albiceleste still trying to figure out how to replace Ángel Di María, the tricky Carboni looked like one of the more viable options. 

18. Valentín Gómez
Vélez Sarsfield
26/06/2003
Centre back
2023 Golazo Entry: 34

One of the big climbers on the list, Velez’s young captain has had an eventful year. After a fairly dismal 2023 – which finished with Gómez’s goal effectively saving his boyhood club from relegation – el Fortín got back to winning ways with Gómez at the heart of their defence, leading them to the Copa de la Liga final. A move to City Group’s Palermo broke down due to a failed medical but didn’t affect the 21-year-old’s performances as Vélez’s won the Liga Professional title and got to the Copa Argentina final. Recently made his 100th appearance for the club and is the highest ranking centre back on this year’s list.

17. Carlos Alcaraz
Flamengo
30/11//2002
Attacking Midfielder / Forward
2023 Golazo Entry: 6

A step back perhaps for Carlos Alcaraz as 2024 saw the former Racing midfielder return to South America but if you are to do it then Brazil is the place to go. Flamengo don’t look the side they were a few years ago and went out of the CONMEBOL Libertadores in the quarterfinals and Charly will now hope to be part of a Mengão reboot for 2025. Brazilian football is yet to see anything close to what Alcaraz is capable of – a forward thinking midfielder capable of scoring from range or breaking into the box. Rash moments of hotheadedness and a failure to truly leave a mark in Europe rightly leave question marks, next year will see if Alcaraz has the answers.  

16. Luciano Gondou
Zenit St. Petersburg
22/06/2001
Striker
2023 Golazo Entry: 32

Gondou’s fine form at Argentinos Juniors earned him a spot at the Olympics with Argentina and a move to Europe even if it was in the form of Zenit St. Petersburg. The goals haven’t stopped flowing and with a strike rate of 7 in 15 appearances, the lanky striker has made the transition look easy. Strong in the air and with a decent touch, Gondou, at 23 already, may not have the highest of ceilings but has done enough to climb once again in the rankings this year.

15. Santiago Castro
Bologna
18/09/2004
Striker
2023 Golazo Entry: 31

Vélez received a decent chunk of change from Bologna for Castro following his great form in the second half of 2023. With the Rossoblù performing well and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 60 years, the young striker had to bide his time but has seized his opportunity this season with a number of well-taken goals. Mobile, direct and not afraid to get a shot away, Castro is already gaining admiring glances from a number of Premier League sides.

14. Franco Mastantuono
River Plate
19/09/2007
Attacking Midfielder
New Entry

The highest new entry in this year’s Golazo 50, Mastantuono made a huge impression for River Plate and is already being linked to some of the biggest clubs in the world. He became Los Millonarios third youngest debutant in January and their youngest scorer in February, going on to make over 40 appearances in his debut campaign. The elegant, left-footed attacking midfielder has displayed immense maturity and confidence, grabbing games by the scruff of the neck. Though still lacking final product, his winner against Libertad, his free-kick versus Sarmiento, and bicycle kick against Bolivia U20 all show the elite talent he possesses.

13. Santiago Hezze
Olympiacos
22/10/2001
Defensive midfielder
2023 Golazo Entry: 23

Not the most exciting name on the list but it’s hard to deny Hezze’s success over the past year. The 23-year-old midfielder has been able to reproduce the energetic, ball winning displays so often seen at Huracán for Greek giants Olympiacos and it was enough for the club to lift the Europa Conference League title back in May. Currently top of the table, Hezze will be hoping to add more silverware come the end of the season and who knows maybe the transfer market could bring another European test.

12. Equi Fernández
Al Qadsiah
25/07/2002
Midfielder
2023 Golazo Entry: 15

It’s been a year of two halves for Equi. Big performances in the Superclásico and Argentina’s Olympic quarter final against France underlined his position as arguably the best established young player still playing in Argentina, as rumours of interest from Arsenal, Porto and Marseille (to name but a few) grew. To say that the move to Saudi side Al Qadsiah took many by surprise was an understatement but reflects a wider shift in global spending power. A call up to the Argentina national team in August suggests that his move hasn’t taken him off Scaloni’s radar, but time will tell whether the transfer is as good for his development as his bank balance.

11. Claudio Echeverri
Manchester City
02/01/2006
Playmaker
2023 Golazo Entry: 26

With Echeverri’s transfer to Manchester City all but confirmed one year ago, it’s been a bit of an underwhelming 2024. Many expected El Diablito to take centre stage for River before making his move to England and it hasn’t quite been the case. Admittedly the Millonarios have struggled and even the return of Marcelo Gallardo couldn’t provide the spark needed to end the year on a high but Echeverri delivered an inconsistent output. Outrageously talented he remains an exciting signing for the Citizens yet Gallardo’s warning that he could have perhaps done with a little more time in River’s first team like Julián Álvarez before him also looks valid at the moment.

10. Valentin Barco
Sevilla (on loan from Brighton)
23/07/2004
Left Back/Left Winger
2023 Golazo Entry: 10

This time last year, Barco was riding the crest of a wave. After a breakthrough year, he was the darling of the Bombonera and looked like nothing could stop him. A January move to Brighton had all the Twitter tacticos nodding in approval – ourselves included – and, after a bedding in period, some noteworthy performances at the tail end of last season pointed to a bigger role in 24/25. That was not to be the case and a pretty disastrous loan to move to Sevilla has seen limited game time in La Liga and the potential of an early termination. Barco still remains an elite prospect but due to a year of relative inactivity and adaptation, he treads water in 10th place on the Golazo 50.

9. Lucas Beltrán
Fiorentina
29/03/2001
Striker
2023 Golazo Entry: 12

Beltrán followed swiftly in the footsteps of Julián Álvarez when it came to scoring goals for River Plate and it deservedly earned him his move to Fiorentina last year but unlike the Araña, Beltrán hasn’t been able to have quite the same impact in Europe. 10 goals in all competitions last season was an ok return for a debut campaign outside Argentina but only 2 goals so far this season is a disappointing drop off. To Beltrán’s credit even when not scoring he is the type of forward who contributes with his hard work off the ball and his team play but goals will ultimately be how he is judged. 

8. Máximo Perrone
Como (on loan from Manchester City)
07/01/2003
Midfielder
2023 Golazo Entry: 11

Perhaps a little less heralded than some of the names on the list, Perrone climbs above some more hyped prospects thanks to one big factor: regular top level football. The 21-year-old established himself as a regular on loan for Las Palmas, as the Los Amarillos defied the odds to avoid relegation, and this season has seen plenty of time at newly promoted Como in Serie A. While his compatriot Paz has been getting most of the plaudits, Perrone has been quietly gaining invaluable experience and, who knows, maybe is the type of fresh blood that his parent club need going forward to get them out of their current slump.

7. Matías Soulé
Roma
15/04/2003
Attacking Midfielder
2022 Golazo Entry: 8

An incredible loan at Frosinone saw Soulé fly into top 10 last year and come the end of the season it led to a big money transfer from Juventus to Roma. Things have been a little tougher in the capital and the exciting winger has had to settle for more of a squad role. The issues with the Giallorossi run far deeper than the form of Soulé and led to a recent change of manager so both player and club will be hoping that Claudio Ranieri can oversee an upturn in 2025.

6. Facundo Buonanotte 
Leicester (on loan from Brighton)
23/12/2004
Attacking Midfielder
2022 Golazo Entry: 7

This year the creative attacking midfielder has spread his wings and looks truly at home in the Premier League. A decent second half of the 23/24 season saw him pick up another Argentina cap and – in stark contrast to teammate Barco – a successful loan move has seen him thrive with more game time and responsibility, already outperforming last season’s direct goal contributions. Loving life at Leicester and back on the fringes of the national team, it will be interesting to see where Buonanotte fits in among the myriad of attacking options on Brighton’s books, but he won’t be short of suitors if there isn’t space for him at the AMEX.

5. Nico Paz
Como
08/09/2004
Attacking midfielder 
2022 Golazo Entry: 27

Arguably the most exciting name on this year’s list, Nico Paz rockets into the top 5 thanks to a brilliant move to Como and a cameo with the Argentina team that got an entire fanbase excited. There’s just something about an elegant, left footer in central midfield and while no one wants to be drawing hasty comparisons with Fernando Redondo, there is a reason that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admits the Blancos are keeping track of Paz and see his return to the Bernabeú as a distinct possibility. 3 goals and 4 assists in Serie A this season already, expect to see plenty more of the 20-year-old in 2025.

4. Alan Varela
Porto
04/07/2001
Defensive Midfielder
2022 Golazo Entry: 5

More of the same from Porto’s steady and reliable midfield anchor, edging up another place for the second year in a row. A guaranteed regular for a side challenging at the top of the Portuguese league and heavily linked with a big money move to Liverpool, Varela might feel aggrieved to not be higher. However, a mixture of Sporting Lisbon’s excellent domestic form, the next-level move failing to materialise (yet), and the (admittedly questionable) lack of a call up to the Argentina national team, means he just falls short of the top three. We’re confident this time next year we’ll be eating humble pie but, for now, it’s fourth place. Sorry, Alan!

3. Thiago Almada
Lyon
26/04/2001
Forward
2023 Golazo Entry: 3

It’s been a roundabout route to Europe but Thiago Almada is finally on his way and now with a CONMEBOL Libertadores winners medal hanging round his neck. The boy from Fuerte Apache could easily have moved as one of the brightest young players in Argentina while still with boyhood club Vélez yet it was free spending Atlanta United who prized him away. Individual excellence aside, his time in Major League Soccer was fruitless and it took the ambitious project at Botafogo to get Almada out. This could have been a major gamble and yet El Guayo’s speed, cunning and goals fired the Brazilians to a historic league and Libertadores double. The multi-club ownership model will allow Almada to now switch Rio for France and while Lyon have troubles of their own it could provide another platform for Almada to shine.

2. Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United
01/07/2004
Winger
2023 Golazo Entry: 4 

The rebuild at Manchester United is going to be extensive but it appears evident that Alejandro Garnacho must be at the heart of it. An electric winger with bags of pace, tricks and an eye for goal, on his day the 20-year-old looks like he could be an absolute world beater. Sadly, and perhaps the immaturity of Garnacho at times hasn’t helped, the backdrop of Manchester United’s problems have hardly made for the ideal environment. Now very much around Lionel Scaloni’s squad, as he was for the Copa América triumph, it is time for Garnacho to grasp his opportunity. Argentina are yet to see what he is capable of and with a Di María sized hole to fill in the attack building up to the 2026 World Cup, there is a great chance for a new face.

1. Enzo Fernández
Chelsea
17/01/2001
Central Midfielder
2023 Golazo Ranking: 2

Where to start? 2024 has been…chaotic, to put it lightly. Part of a dysfunctional Chelsea team that seemed to be getting it together under Pochettino, the Blues often looked more coherent without Enzo. The same seemed to initially be true under namesake Maresca, but in the last couple of months we’ve seen the best of Fernández again, contributing goals and assists from midfield. 

Amongst the turbulence of his club form for most of the year, Enzo’s position in the national team set up has remained untouched. A regular during the Copa America victory and qualifiers, there’s no doubt that he is the most established U23 Argentinian player from a national team point of view, even if he wasn’t quite as impactful for la Selección this year. 

But against the backdrop of his role in the racist celebrations, off-field marital issues, and the near-impossible job of living up to his record transfer fee, we strongly debated whether he quite justified making the top spot. Ultimately, his end-of-year form and the fact he is still the young Argentinian playing at the highest level for club and, importantly, for country meant that Enzo edges Garnacho by a nose.