The 2025 Pulcino d’Oro has officially begun, and it did so in the best possible way. The tenth edition of the historic Under-11 competition kicked off in grand style in England, with the fifth tournament proving to be a resounding success. With 24 participating teams and numerous nations involved in this first stage of the International Tournament, the Pulcino d’Oro confirmed its global reach and growing appeal.
Alongside Premier League giants like Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa, prestigious clubs such as Celtic Glasgow and Hearts from Scotland, FK Pardubice from the Czech Republic, and Radomiak Radom from Poland also participated. Middlesbrough triumphed in England, winning the Pulcino d’Oro. The United Kingdom officially kicked off a series of events that will culminate with the major event in Levico Terme. The race to the final finish line is already frenetic: the next stop on the European journey will be held on March 4th in Portugal, at Seixal Club 1925, one of the most prestigious academies of the glorious SL Benfica.
This year, the European and regional journey will be particularly rich, with 14 regional tournaments across Italy and a stop in the Netherlands at the end of March. The Pulcino d’Oro continues to grow and strengthen, promising spectacular entertainment and excitement. The event will culminate in the highly anticipated final tournament, to be held from June 12th to 15th in Levico Terme, in Valsugana, Trentino. This increasingly global Pulcino d’Oro tournament confirms its status as a valuable footballing laboratory, involving numerous nations and teams from all levels, from professionals to amateurs.
The English leg took place on Wednesday, February 19th at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, where, hosted by Leeds United, the talented young players under 11 competed in an atmosphere of healthy competition, sportsmanship, and team spirit. The tournament, which grows in importance and prestige every year, confirms itself as an ideal platform for young players who aspire to make their mark in the world of football. Leeds Academy Director Andy Wood, along with his staff, worked diligently to ensure the event’s success. The results were clear: a wealth of talent on the pitch, but also great fairness, pace of play, and, above all, respect for the rules. The Golden Pulcino was lifted by the Middlesbrough boys, who beat Newcastle United (second), Aston Villa, and Celtic FC. In previous editions, historic teams such as hosts Leeds United, Nottingham Forest (two-time European Cup winners), and Arsenal have had the honor of lifting the trophy. The Silver Chick was won by Manchester United, who beat Charlton Athletic, QPR, and Birmingham. The Bronze Chick went to Blackburn Rovers, who defeated Hearts in a thrilling head-to-head. Finally, the Yellow and Blue Chick was claimed by Sheffield United.
Now, the Pulcino d’Oro is preparing for the next stage in Portugal, which will take place on March 4th. The following teams will be competing: AA Santarém, Casa Pia AC, CF Os Belenenses, Seixal C 1925, CF Estrela Amadora, D. João I, EF Faro, and SL Benfica. With this new edition, the Pulcino d’Oro confirms its position as one of the most important events in the international youth football scene, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete on a global level, with the certainty that the next stage in Trentino will provide even more thrills.