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World Cup: Brazilian pair and Morocco’s Bouaddi among leading contenders for Young Player Award
04th July, 2026 08:04 PM
As the World Cup field continues to narrow following the Round of 32 games, some of the tournament’s emerging talents are quickly shaping the conversation around the Young Player Award.
FIFA highlights six players who enhanced their credentials in the first knockout round, with the list including the Brazilian pair of Real Madrid youngster Endrick and his international teammate Rayan.
The teenage duo justified the growing excitement surrounding them as the five-time world champions rallied to edge Japan 2-1 and reach the Round of 16.
Rayan was in the starting XI and was involved in the decisive late move that led to the Seleção’s winning goal, pressing to win the ball before feeding Bruno Guimaraes in the build-up to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time strike.
Record-breaking Mora
Meanwhile, Endrick entered the fray at half-time as Brazil searched for a way back into the contest.
Another potential candidate for the accolade includes Mexico’s young talent, Gilberto Mora. At 17, the Club Tijuana midfielder became the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match after the late, great Pele.
The teenager extended the fine run in midfield as El Tri emerged unbeaten from the group stage and subsequent elimination of Ecuador.
The hosts now await England in a highly anticipated round of 16 duel in Azteca on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Nusa underlined his growing importance to Norway with another decisive contribution in their round of 32 win over Ivory Coast. The RB Leipzig star is now the nation’s youngest ever World Cup goal scorer and played a huge role in Ståle Solbakken’s team’s return to the global stage after 28 years.
Johan Manzambi
The 20-year-old provided a superb low cross for Breel Embolo to open the scoring against Algeria after just 10 minutes, taking his tally to five goal involvements in four matches.
Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has shown the maturity and intelligence beyond his tender age, is also on the list. He earned another crucial minute under his belt as the Atlas Lions edged past the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey to continue their fine run in the World Cup games.
England’s Nico O’Reilly and Canada defender Luc de Fougerolles, who have both been superb for their respective nations at the World Cup stage, are also on the list.
