The ‘Malagueño’ was chosen by a panel of 30 journalists from some of the most influential European publications, representing 20 countries. Isco received a total of 137 votes, ahead of AC Milan’s Italian-Eqyptian striker Stephan El Shaarawy with 125 votes, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Atlético de Madrid (on loan from Chelsea), with 116 votes.
Isco received the ‘Golden Ball’ (honouring the most successful young player) from an initial list of 40 players from all over Europe (all born after 1st January 1992). This is now the tenth time this award has been presented to European footballers, previous winners include Lionel Messi, Cesc Fábregas, Sergio Agüero and Alexandre Pato, amongst others.
Isco will be presented with the Golden Boy 2012 trophy by Massimo Franchi from Tuttosport, at La Rosaleda tonight just before the match between Málaga Club de Fútbol and Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, as soon as the Blue and Whites have finished their warm-up.
PREVIOUS ‘GOLDEN BOY’ WINNERS:
2012 Francisco Román Alarcón ‘Isco’ (Málaga CF)
2011 Mario Götze (Borussia Dortmund)
2010 Mario Balotelli (Manchester City FC)
2009 Alexandre Pato (AC Milán)
2008 Anderson (Manchester United FC)
2007 Sergio Agüero (Atlético de Madrid)
2006 Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal FC)
2005 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2004 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United FC)
2003 Van der Vaart (AFC Ajax)
