Kylian Mbappe wants become the first player to win the Golden Boy award twice by defending his crown

The France and Paris Saint-Germain striker is on track to keep the honour for young talent after the shortlist was cut to 20 players

  

Kylian Mbappe is still on the run to become the first player to win the Golden Boy award twice.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker, who fired France towards World Cup glory, raised the award that recognises the outstanding player in Europe under the age of 21 last year.

And Mbappe leads the competitors once more after Italian publication Tuttosport cut the shortlist to a final 20 on Thursday.

Premier league nominees a Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Everton midfielder Tom Davies, Diogo Dalot of Manchester United and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden

Serie A nominees  AC Milan striker Patrick Cutrone and Justin Kluivert - son of Dutch great Patrick, who plays for Roma.

Real Madrid have two players on the list with Vinicius Junior and Achraf Hamiki included, even though the latter is on loan at Borussia Dortmund, while Barcelona have none on the list.

Previous winners of the Golden Boy award include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Isco, Renato Sanches, Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.