The 18-year old, who is the top scorer in the national league, is among 40 nominees for the award, which has so far been given to superstars like Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Agüero, Mario Balotelli and Mario Götze.

Luka Zahović is the son of Maribor sporting director Zlatko Zahović, a retired footballer. The son debuted in the Champions League this season, 13 years after his father played for Valencia in the final.