FIFA Young Player Award race heats up at World Cup 2026

The race for the FIFA Young Player Award, presented by Aramco, intensified during the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, as several of the tournament's brightest young talents delivered standout performances. Ayyoub Bouaddi, Desire Doue, Nico O'Reilly and Lamine Yamal were among the contenders who helped their nations reach the quarter-finals, strengthening their claims for the prize awarded to the best player born on or after 1 January 2005.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: Morocco's midfield maestro

Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 19-year-old Lille midfielder, has been a key figure in Morocco's run to the quarter-finals. Known for his intelligence on and off the pitch, Bouaddi won a public-speaking competition at age 15, completed his baccalaureate at 16, and is now studying for a degree in mathematics. His composure in midfield has been evident, and he combines calm authority with a physical edge that belies his age. Co-hosts Canada experienced this first-hand in the Round of 16, as Bouaddi helped Morocco secure a victory. Morocco now faces France in Boston.

Desire Doue: France's silky forward

Desire Doue, the 21-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward, has already won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season award twice, including this year. His performances have carried seamlessly into his first World Cup, where he has started three of five games, scored once, and won the decisive penalty that Kylian Mbappe converted to edge France past Paraguay in the Round of 16. Doue will face Bouaddi and Morocco in the quarter-finals, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.

Nico O'Reilly: England's ever-present left-back

Nico O'Reilly, the 21-year-old Manchester City left-back, has become a virtual ever-present for England under coach Thomas Tuchel. He has started four of England's five matches, missing only a goalless draw with Ghana. Among England's regular starters, O'Reilly ranks in the top three for pass completion and second for tackles won. He also came close to scoring his first World Cup goal, striking the post in England's Round of 16 victory over co-hosts Mexico. England could face Morocco or France in the final.

Lamine Yamal: Spain's generational talent

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has managed Lamine Yamal's minutes carefully since the 18-year-old Barcelona forward suffered a hamstring injury. Yamal came off the bench in Spain's opening 0-0 draw with Cabo Verde but has started every game since. He opened his World Cup account against Austria in the last 32 and completed his first full 90 minutes of the tournament against Portugal, showing flashes of his trademark brilliance. Spain now faces Belgium or co-hosts USA in the quarter-finals.

As the tournament progresses, these young stars continue to shine, and the race for the FIFA Young Player Award remains wide open.