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

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.
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.
Here are the five African stars in the running:
1. Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire)
The 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward has been one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
Diomande provided an assist in Côte d’Ivoire’s 2-0 win over Curaçao and became the first player this century to complete 10 succe...