With the 2026 FIFA World Cup down to the last eight teams, FIFA has highlighted four standout youngsters leading the race for the Young Player Award, presented to the tournament’s best player born on or after January 1, 2005.
The leading contenders are:
- Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco) – The Lille midfielder has been one of Morocco’s standout performers, controlling games from midfield and playing a key role in the Atlas Lions’ run to the quarter-finals. He impressed again in the Round of 16 victory over Canada and is expected to be crucial against France.
- Désiré Doué (France) – The Paris Saint-Germain winger has continued his excellent club form onto the international stage, combining pace, creativity and goals to help France reach the last eight.
- Nico O’Reilly (England) – The versatile young midfielder has emerged as one of England’s breakout stars, impressing with his maturity, energy and composure throughout the tournament.
- Lamine Yamal (Spain) – Widely regarded as one of football’s brightest young talents, Yamal has dazzled with his dribbling, creativity and attacking threat, helping Spain advance to the quarter-finals.
FIFA noted that performances in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be decisive in determining the eventual winner of the prestigious award, which has previously been won by stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Thomas Müller and Enzo Fernández
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