Golden Boy Esposito enjoying Inter and Italy at age 20: ‘This was my dream’

Francesco Pio Esposito accepted the Italian Golden Boy Award and said he is ‘honoured’ by Christian Vieri comparisons, but he is living the ‘dream and I want to do this for my whole life.’

This evening he received the Golden Boy Award as Best Young Italian Player for 2025, while Paris Saint-Germain talent Désiré Doué was named the overall Golden Boy.

“I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made and all those who believed in me,” said Esposito from the stage of tonight’s ceremony.

“This award means a lot and is extra motivation to keep pushing.”

Esposito new face of Italy attack

There have been comparisons between Esposito and former Italy and Inter striker Vieri, as they have similar physiques.

“I am honoured by the Vieri comparison, but I leave others to do that, I just want to focus on giving my best. The Nazionale is the dream of every child, and it was an incredible moment to get my debut.

“When I think of the Azzurri jersey, I get goosebumps, it’s not possible to describe the feeling with words.”

This has been a remarkable few months for the 20-year-old, a product of the Inter youth academy who had a loan spell in Serie B with Spezia.

He was given a chance during the FIFA Club World Cup and impressed so much with a goal and assist in two games that he was kept on as part of the senior squad.

Esposito repaid that faith with his first goals in Serie A, the Champions League, and for the senior Italy team.

“Coming from Serie B to join the Champions League finalists did make me anxious,” he confessed.

“However, everyone was very welcoming, and I want to thank my teammates for that. I don’t feel pressure, because this was my dream and I want to do this for my whole life. It’s only right to feel some responsibility when you are representing Inter and Italy.”