In Goal‘s annual list, the Ajax ace finished just ahead of Italian goalkeeping sensation Donnarumma, who was bidding for a second successive victory after strengthening his position as AC Milan’s No.1.
NxGn: The 50 best teenagers in the world
Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt came fourth after establishing himself in the Netherlands senior squad over the past year, not to mention attracting the interest of Europe’s top clubs.
Phil Foden rounded off the top five, just reward for managing to break into Manchester City’s star-studded squad, as well as his World Cup-winning heroics with England’s Under-17s.
Juventus striker Moise Kean, Fulham left-back Ryan Sessegnon and Monaco’s €25m signing Pietro Pellegri also featured in the 50-strong list.
Kluivert, though, was a worthy victor of our global vote, which saw experts from across Goal’s 37 editions rank the best players in the world born on or after January 1, 1999 in terms of experience, potential and overall ability.
The 18-year-old attacker has gone from strength to strength since netting his first senior goal last March, against Excelsior.
After being utilised primarily as an impact sub by former Ajax boss Peter Bosz, Kluivert was immediately installed as a starter by new coach Erik ten Hag for the 2017-18 campaign and the winger has rewarded his coach’s faith in him with a string of sensational displays.
In November, against Roda JC, Kluivert hit a hat-trick – something not even his striking legend of a father, former Netherlands international Patrick, ever managed to do in the Eredivisie.
The Dutch starlet’s sensational form has even sparked talk that he could move in Patrick’s footsteps by joining Barcelona, although Manchester United have also been following the Amsterdam native.
For now, though, Kluivert will be solely focused on Ajax, having now claimed his first major individual honour by winning the 2018 NxGn award.
