5 African Teen Talents Who Shone at 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup

Discover five rising African football stars from the FIFA U-20 World Cup set to make a big impact in the coming decade.

Morocco made history this week by clinching the U-20 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Argentina, becoming only the second African nation to lift the youth trophy. 

Beyond the team triumph, the tournament highlighted a crop of young African players whose performances suggest they could become the continent’s next generation of superstars. 

From dazzling attackers to composed defenders, here are five standout prospects to watch.

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5. Tylon Smith – South Africa/QPR

Tylon Smith has been hailed as South Africa’s next “Rolls Royce” centreback, and his displays at the U-20 World Cup certainly justified the tag. 

Currently on the books at Queens Park Rangers, Smith combines solid defensive fundamentals with exceptional composure on the ball, often initiating attacks from deep positions with pinpoint passes.

Against New Caledonia, the 19-year-old completed 96 percent of his passes and found all 12 of his long-ball targets, showcasing his rare ability to influence the game from the back. 

His performances have sparked calls for Hugo Broos to integrate him into the senior Bafana Bafana squad, especially after his pivotal role in South Africa’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier this year.

Smith’s combination of aggression, anticipation, and elegance on the ball positions him as a potential cornerstone for South Africa’s defense for years to come. With the right development, he could soon be plying his trade in Europe’s top leagues.

4. Othmane Maamma – Morocco/Watford

Golden Ball winner Othmane Maamma was undoubtedly Morocco’s standout player in Chile. The Watford winger impressed with his creativity, technical skill, and audacious attacking flair, particularly in the group-stage victory over Brazil where he opened the scoring with an audacious overhead kick.

Maamma’s ability to take on defenders from wide positions, cut inside, and deliver precise crosses or shots made him a constant threat. He also demonstrated vision and creativity, assisting teammates in crucial moments, including a memorable back-heeled pass against the USA in the quarterfinals.

While Maamma’s talent is undeniable, history reminds us that not all youth stars achieve senior success. With careful career choices and consistent development, however, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of African greats and become a household name.

3. Daniel Bameyi – Nigeria/Yum Yum FC

Nigeria may have struggled to advance beyond the Round of 16, but 19-year-old Daniel Bameyi stood out as a bright prospect. The enigmatic centreback has made headlines due to his association with the mysterious Yum Yum FC and surprisingly early call-ups to the senior Super Eagles squad.

At the U-20 World Cup, Bameyi displayed excellent defensive reading and leadership, converting crucial penalties to secure a 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia and a 1-1 draw with Colombia. His composure under pressure and willingness to take responsibility for key moments set him apart from his peers.

Bameyi has reportedly attracted interest from European clubs, including a possible move to Slovenia, although these reports are yet to be fully verified. With his combination of skill, vision, and maturity, he could become one of Nigeria’s defining defenders of the next decade.

2. Gessime Yassine – Morocco/Dunkerque

While Maamma and Zabiri grabbed the headlines, Gessime Yassine quietly impressed with his flair and technical ability. The 19-year-old France-born winger contributed two goals and three assists, terrorizing opponents with his dribbling, audacity, and ball control. His performances reminded many of a young Adel Taarabt, blending creativity with a fearless approach to possession.

Yassine’s versatility allowed him to operate effectively on both flanks, creating chances and opening spaces for teammates. His showings in Chile, combined with his Ligue 2 experience at Dunkerque, suggest he could make the jump to higher-profile European leagues soon.

Morocco’s U-20 squad is brimming with talent, and Yassine stands out as a player whose confidence and flair could make him one of the continent’s next attacking stars. With continued development, he could be a key figure for both club and country over the next decade.

1. Siviwe Magidigidi – South Africa/Siwelele FC

Siviwe Magidigidi is another South African prospect who could make waves on the international stage. The striker was influential in South Africa’s 5-0 thrashing of New Caledonia, scoring twice, and his relentless pressing forced a U.S. own goal in the 2-1 victory over the Americans.

Trained at Cape Town’s renowned Ubuntu Football Academy, Magidigidi now plays for Siwelele FC and has already demonstrated an eye for goal and intelligent movement off the ball. His work ethic and determination to improve daily mark him as a player with significant upside.

If he continues to refine his finishing and gains more experience at the senior level, Magidigidi could soon be part of South Africa’s attacking core, offering pace, agility, and clinical instincts reminiscent of some of the nation’s top strikers.