5 Africans lead race for FIFA’s Best Young Player award at 2026 World Cup

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Africa’s next generation of football talent has taken centre stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with five youngsters emerging as leading contenders for the FIFA Best Young Player Award.

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FIFA named 11 players born on or after January 1, 2005, who have strengthened their chances of winning the prestigious prize after standout performances that helped their countries reach the knockout stage.

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Here are the five African stars in the running:

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1. Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire)

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The 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward has been one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

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Diomande provided an assist in Côte d’Ivoire’s 2-0 win over Curaçao and became the first player this century to complete 10 successful dribbles and create 10 chances across his first three World Cup appearances.

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2. Christ Inao Oulai (Côte d’Ivoire)

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Midfielder Christ Inao Oulai has quietly become one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most influential players.

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His consistent displays in midfield helped the Elephants secure a place in the knockout rounds, earning recognition from FIFA among the tournament’s brightest young talents.

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3. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)

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The Algerian midfielder featured in all three group-stage matches and played a crucial role in his country’s qualification for the Round of 32.

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Maza was named Superior Player of the Match after Algeria’s decisive victory over Jordan.

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4. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

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At just 18, Bouaddi has shown remarkable composure in Morocco’s midfield.

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He dictated play throughout the group stage and followed it up with another impressive display against the Netherlands in the Round of 32, registering two shots during his 79 minutes on the pitch.

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5. Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

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Mbaye etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest African ever to score at a FIFA World Cup.

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The Senegal winger was 18 years and 143 days old when he scored against France, highlighting his immense promise.

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