Roma talents Rodrigo Mora and Emanuele Lulli have been included among the candidates for the 2026 Golden Boy award.
The recognition celebrates the best young players competing in European football, with both Giallorossi prospects rewarded for their rapid development under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Mora has made an immediate impression since joining Roma from Porto, while Lulli has established himself in the first-team squad after progressing through the club’s academy.
Rodrigo Mora earns Golden Boy recognition
Roma completed the signing of Mora from Porto during the summer transfer window, making a significant investment in one of Portuguese football’s most highly rated prospects.
The 19-year-old has already opened his Roma account and demonstrated the creativity, close control and technical quality that persuaded the club to pursue him.
Gasperini has used Mora both as a starter and from the bench during the opening weeks of the season. The coach has repeatedly emphasized that starting matches is not the only measure of a young player’s importance, particularly with Roma competing across three competitions.
Francesco Totti recently discussed the expectations surrounding the Portuguese talent, urging supporters to remain patient as Mora adapts to a new country and football culture. The former captain’s complete comments can be read in our article on Totti’s assessment of Gasperini’s Roma.
Lulli’s remarkable rise from Roma Primavera
Lulli’s inclusion represents another significant moment in his rapid rise.
The right wing-back progressed from Roma Primavera to Gasperini’s senior squad and quickly convinced the coach with his athleticism, speed and work ethic.
He started during Roma’s strong opening run in Serie A and produced performances mature enough to keep more experienced alternatives out of the lineup.
His progress has also persuaded Roma to make his future a priority. The club are reportedly planning to extend Lulli’s contract until 2031 after Gasperini personally prevented a proposed summer move to Avellino.
Mora and Lulli were also included in Roma’s squad for the 2026/27 Champions League, providing both players with an opportunity to continue their development at the highest European level.
Two symbols of Roma’s youth project
The nominations underline two different elements of Roma’s approach to young talent.
Mora represents the club’s willingness to invest heavily in elite prospects from abroad. Lulli, meanwhile, demonstrates the value of creating a pathway from the academy into Gasperini’s first team.
Winning the Golden Boy award will be difficult given the number of leading young players across Europe. Nevertheless, inclusion among the candidates provides significant recognition for both players and another positive sign for Roma’s developing project.
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